Colposcopy - a Method for Diagnosing Cervical Cancer

Information

About cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is most often caused by the so-called human papillomavirus (HPV). The incidence of HPV infections is highest in the age group of 16-20 years. The infection is most often transmitted sexually, with over 75-80% lifetime risk of infection. This practically means that almost every woman experiences one or more HPV infections, usually shortly after the beginning of sexual activity, with the risk increasing with a higher number of partners. However, being infected with the virus does not mean it will necessarily develop into cancer. Unfortunately, the process is asymptomatic, and by the time abnormal genital bleeding, the most common symptom, appears, the disease is often already at an advanced stage.

According to data from the National Cancer Registry, the incidence of newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer has increased almost threefold in recent years, with the number of new cases being around 1,100-1,200 annually, and deaths between 350 and 400. Unfortunately, a simple calculation from this statistic shows that every day in Bulgaria one woman dies from cervical cancer and three new cases of the disease are diagnosed.

Methods for diagnosing cervical cancer

In addition to the standard examination, the methods that can confirm suspicions of the presence of cervical cancer, or give a more accurate picture of a woman's condition, are the Pap smear and colposcopy. In principle, the Pap smear is the more widespread type of test, given that not every gynecological office has a colposcope. It is important, however, for patients to know that the Pap smear is not a sufficiently informative diagnostic method. Colposcopy, on the other hand, catches the first changes of the cervix.

What exactly is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a routine gynecological examination that is a detailed examination with a special device (colposcope), through which the tissues are seen magnified many times, allowing changes on the cervix that are undetectable to the naked eye to be identified. One of the diagnostic tests during colposcopy is applying a solution containing an iodine preparation, in order to make abnormal areas more visible. If changes are noticed, a biopsy is performed (a small piece of tissue is taken from the site) and a subsequent examination of the atypical cells in question is carried out.

Colposcopy is performed quickly (it literally takes minutes), painlessly, and without anesthesia, on-site in the gynecological office.

What is diagnosed through colposcopy?

• Cervical cancer
• Genital warts
• Inflammation of the cervix
• Precancerous changes in the tissues of the cervix
• Precancerous changes in the tissues of the vagina
• Precancerous changes in the vulva
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer

What risks does the examination carry?

If a biopsy needs to be performed during colposcopy, you may experience discomfort, pelvic pain, or bleeding after the procedure. This condition subsides within a few days. If you still feel any discomfort after the procedure, contact your obstetrician-gynecologist immediately for advice on how to proceed.