Introduction
Colposcopy is the method for the further diagnostic approach of patients with cervical pathology, which was diagnosed using PAP smear or HPV-DNA testing. Colposcope is a stereoscopic microscope, which can offer magnification even of ×40 folds (Figure 1). Thus, cervical, vaginal and vulvar lesion can be identified with precision. By colposcopy the physician has the opportunity to receive punch biopsies for further identification of the inferior genital tract pathology (vulva, vagina, cervix).
Colposcopy is the method for the further diagnostic approach of patients with cervical pathology, which was diagnosed using PAP smear or HPV-DNA testing. Colposcope is a stereoscopic microscope, which can offer magnification even of ×40 folds (Figure 1). Thus, cervical, vaginal and vulvar lesion can be identified with precision. By colposcopy the physician has the opportunity to receive punch biopsies for further identification of the inferior genital tract pathology (vulva, vagina, cervix).
Colposcopic technique
Acetic acid of 5%, iodine liquid (Lugol) are the solutions which are used to perform the colposcopy to identify cervical or other pathology of lower female genital tract. In addition, Monsel solution is a liquid which is required to stop spotting or even bleeding from the cervix or the vagina, after punch biopsies (Figure 2). Special equipment is necessary to perform punch biopsies or to recognize lesion of the endocervical canal. For patients with previous cervical and vaginal operation or patients during pregnancy who needs colposcopic evaluation, further experience is required (Figure 3).
Acetic acid of 5%, iodine liquid (Lugol) are the solutions which are used to perform the colposcopy to identify cervical or other pathology of lower female genital tract. In addition, Monsel solution is a liquid which is required to stop spotting or even bleeding from the cervix or the vagina, after punch biopsies (Figure 2). Special equipment is necessary to perform punch biopsies or to recognize lesion of the endocervical canal. For patients with previous cervical and vaginal operation or patients during pregnancy who needs colposcopic evaluation, further experience is required (Figure 3).
Classification
The most popular colposcopic classification of the cervical lesion is Reid classification. By this, cervical lesion can be distinguished in low and high grade (LGSIL & HGSIL). The former diagnosis must be confirmed by punch biopsies giving the final diagnosis of LGSIL, actually Cervical Intraepithelial Lesion 1 (CIN 1), or even HGSIL namely CIN 2 or CIN 3.
The most popular colposcopic classification of the cervical lesion is Reid classification. By this, cervical lesion can be distinguished in low and high grade (LGSIL & HGSIL). The former diagnosis must be confirmed by punch biopsies giving the final diagnosis of LGSIL, actually Cervical Intraepithelial Lesion 1 (CIN 1), or even HGSIL namely CIN 2 or CIN 3.
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IOANNIS Α. KALOGIANNIDIS MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Obstetrics Gynecology -
Gynecologic Oncology
Obstetrics Gynecology -
Gynecologic Oncology
SEE ALSO
Test PAP
PAP smear or test PAP is the collection of cell population from the cervix and the endocervical canal to identify cervical pathology, actually premalignant and malignant diseases.
HPV-DNA testing
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is related to cervical cancer in 99% of cases. Most often high risk subtypes concerning the malignant diseases of the female genital tract are the types 16 and 18.
Uterine Myomas
The uterine leiomyomas or myomas are the more frequent benign tumors of the female genital system.
