Colposcopy of the cervix

Colposcopy is the examination of the surface of the cervix, which is performed with the help of a colposcope. This method of examination makes it possible in time to diagnose malignant diseases or external defects of the vagina, the cover of the cervix, external genital organs. You can even pinpoint the finding of a new growth. The colposcope helps to correctly determine the site for a more targeted biopsy, as well as for sampling the cytological smear.

Types and tasks of colposcopy

Different types of operative colposcopy are used for different purposes. Simple colposcopy is performed without any medications. With advanced colposcopy, the mucous membrane of the cervix is ​​examined using special tests.

The main tasks of colposcopy are assessment of the condition of the vaginal mucosa and uterine neck, detection of lesions invisible to the eye, checking benign changes for their malignancy, conducting a targeted swipe and biopsy from suspicious areas. A specialist in the pathology of the cervix always carries out advanced colposcopy. Before the examination, the cervix is ​​treated with a 3% solution of acetic acid. In this case, unpleasant sensations in the form of tingling are possible. Acetic acid serves to narrow the blood vessels, which allows the doctor to accurately examine the tissues he examines and identify pathology. The materials of the neck are examined under a microscope, preliminarily treated with a special colorant containing iodine and a little acetic acid. As a color solution, Lugol solution is used. It darkens healthy cells, and those afflicted with the disease remain bright.

After receiving the results of the initial examination, patients with pathologies of the cervix are sent for examination for the presence of infectious diseases. They can be the causative agents of the inflammatory process. Infections are permanent satellites of erosion of the uterine neck. Also, human papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer. The procedure of colposcopy itself lasts about 15-20 minutes.

Procedure of

Colposcopy procedure is painless and completely safe. It is carried out on the third day after menstruation in a conventional gynecological chair. First, after the introduction of the gynecological mirror, the mucous membrane of the neck is examined. This is a simple colposcopy. In the course of her taking the necessary tests - smears on the flora and cytology. Further, a more extensive colposcopy is performed, which is an examination during the treatment with 3% acetic acid and Lugol's solution. All these manipulations help to better identify the areas changed by the disease. It is this extended method that makes it possible to diagnose oncology at the earliest stage of development.

Under the influence of vinegar, there is a sharp spasm of the capillaries. In a painful hearth, the vessels do not react to acid, which helps visually fix these foci. The general reaction to vinegar persists for a short time. Within 2 minutes, the cervix and its mucosa become the original form. Then Schiller's test is performed, for which the neck is wiped with a swab dipped in Lugol's solution. This is a special mixture of iodine and glycerin in certain proportions. Healthy mucous evenly begins to turn brown, pathological foci continue to be light, iodnegative. Such areas are subject to more thorough investigation.

The following parameters are evaluated during the extended research method: the uniformity of the color of the mucosa, its vascular pattern, the directed course of the vessels, their overall caliber and the ability to respond to vinegar. The localization of the joint of the cylindrical planar epithelium with the multilayered, the presence of glands and their form, the reaction to acetic acid and Lugol's solution are also estimated. The boundaries of the formations are also important. Based on these indicators, the doctor prescribes treatment or sends to a more detailed examination.