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 MBBS (Singapore) MRCOG (London) FAMS (Obstetrics & Gynecology) RCOG Accredited Sub-Specialist - Gynae Oncology (UK) Gynecologist . Women's Cancer Specialist . Laparoscopic Surgeon Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre - Singapore |
Colposcopy
What is Colposcopy? Colposcopy is a gynecological procedure that illuminates and magnifies the vulva, vaginal walls, and uterine cervix in order to detect and examine abnormalities of these structures. This procedure may be done by a gynecologist in Singapore who is certified by the Society of Colposcopy Singapore. You may be referred to such a gynecologist upon getting an abnormal pap smear test results from your doctor after your routine pap smear.
Here are some reading material for you to learn more about Colposcopy in Singapore and worldwide:
- Society for Colposcopy Singapore
- British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology
- WebMD Resource for Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy
- Havard University Health - Colposcopy
- Mayo Clinic Colposcopy Resource
Why is Colposcopy Done? Colposcopy is usually done in one of two circumstances: to examine the cervix either when the result of a Pap smear is abnormal, or when the cervix looks abnormal during the collection of a pap smear.
Even if a pap smear result is normal, colposcopy is ordered when the cervix appears visibly abnormal to the clinician performing the Pap smear. The purpose of the colposcopy is to determine what is causing the abnormal looking cervix or the abnormal Pap smear so that appropriate treatment can be given. How is colposcopy done? A colposcope is a microscope that resembles a pair of binoculars.
The instrument has a range of magnification lenses. It also has color filters that allow the doctor to detect tiny abnormal blood vessels on the cervix. The colposcope is used to examine the vaginal walls and cervix through the vaginal opening. The first step of the procedure is examining the vulva and vagina for signs of genital warts or other growths. (Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer.) A pap smear is then taken.
The cervix is inspected and the special tests are done (see below). Colposcopy is a safe procedure with no complications other than vaginal spotting of blood. The examiner wants to get a good look at the squamocolumnar junction, which is the area of the cervix that gives rise to most cases of cervical cancer. The term squamocolumnar junction refers to the border between the two different types of cells (squamous cells and columnar cells) that normally form the lining of the endocervical canal. (This canal connects the cervix with the main part of the uterus.) Most cases of cervical cancer originate from the squamous cells and, therefore, are referred to as squamous cell cervical cancer. During colposcopy, the entire squamocolumnar junction is more likely to be seen in young women. The reason for this is that after menopause, the squamocolumnar junction tends to migrate inside the endocervical canal.
Colposcopy, therefore, is often not adequate in women after menopause. Therefore, if the whole squamocolumnar junction area of the cervix is not visible on colposcopy, another type of procedure may need to be performed that allows the entire squamocolumnar junction to be examined.
Author: Lisa Wong
Website
www.lisawong.com.sg
Dokter Kandungan information
Clinic Address
Lisa Wong Women & Gynae Oncology Centre
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth #12-17
Singapore 228510
Republic of Singapore
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Appointments to see Dr Lisa Wong
Clinic Tel (+65) 6836 2004
Clinic Tel (+65) 6836 2008
SMS/Text (+65) 9328 2100
Fax (+65) 6836 2003
Email: lisawongclinic@gmail.com
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