Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a non-invasive outpatient gynecological examination that allows the doctor to examine the vulva, vagina, and cervix. The most common reason for the test is to look for precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix often caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). During this evaluation, your doctor carefully examines the cervix under magnification and often obtains a sample of cervical cells by performing a pap smear. The doctor can also remove part of the cervix itself (called conization) if needed for the removal of cancerous lesions. Other conditions evaluated with colposcopy include vaginal warts and vulva cancer.