Cervical Biopsy

Best Cervical Biopsy Treatment & Diagnostics in Chembur, Mumbai

A cervical biopsy is minor surgery to remove the tissues from the cervix area. The cervix is situated in the lower end of the uterus, located in the vagina. It connects the uterus and the vagina.

It is usually done in the case of cervical cancer or to determine abnormal conditions which may lead to cancer in the future. Cervical cancer is a diagnosis process and not a treatment. A cervical biopsy is performed in women only. You may visit a urology specialist or a gynecologist for the process of a cervical biopsy. 

The procedure of cervical biopsy

• The process of cervical biopsy starts with a pelvic examination. Your bladder must be empty before the surgical process. 
• Your urologist or the gynecologist will give anesthesia before the surgery. 
• With the use of speculum insertion in the vagina, the surgeon keeps the canal open throughout the surgical procedure. 
• Your urologist or gynecologist may also use a colposcope to check the cervix and the nearby area. Colposcope is an instrument having a special lens that helps the surgeon to have a better view of the cervical tissues. This instrument however does not enter the vagina or cervix.
• A mixture of water and vinegar is usually used to wash the cervix before operating, which may cause a burning sensation. 
• Sometimes, the surgeon swabs the cervix with iodine, this is known as schiller’s test. This helps the surgeon to identify the abnormal tissues due to the staining.
• The abnormal tissues are then removed with the help of a forceps, scalpel, laser, or curette. 
• The use of the medical instrument completely depends upon the diagnosis of the problem and the type of cervical biopsy being performed. The removal of abnormal tissues is generally not a painful process, rather it can cause a pinching sensation.
• Once the biopsy is completed, the surgeon may use absorbent material on your cervix to decrease the bleeding. Your urologist or gynecologist may also use electrocauterization or do sutures to stop the bleeding.
• The abnormal tissues that are removed are further sent to laboratories for further testing.

Who qualifies for a cervical biopsy?

Indications that you may need a cervical biopsy are:

• Positive test for strains of HPV
• Cervical cancer symptoms
• Abnormal pap smear
• Treatment of precancerous cells
• Abnormalities detected in a pelvic routine check-up
• Abnormal imaging tests

Why is the procedure conducted?

A cervical biopsy is important for cervical cancer diagnosis. It is also important to examine the precancerous cells in the cervix and avoid a major disease. One should visit a nearby urology specialist or a gynecologist for a cervical biopsy. 

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Types of cervical biopsy

There are three different types of cervical biopsies, based upon the diagnosis and the reason behind the need for biopsy. They are as follows:

• Cone biopsy: In this, larger abnormal sections, cone-shaped tissues,  are removed from the cervix by the surgeons, usually with the use of either scalpels or a laser. 
• Punch biopsy: In this, the surgeons use the biopsy forceps and staining. The biopsy forceps are used to remove the abnormal tissue from the cervix. The tissues to be removed are usually much smaller. The cervix is also stained so that the abnormality can be more visible to the surgeons. 
• Endocervical curettage (ECC): In this, instead of tissues, cells are removed from the endocervical canal, with an instrument called curette. The endocervical canal lies in between the vagina and the uterus.

Benefits of cervical biopsy

A cervical biopsy is beneficial to determine, diagnose and treat diseases and problems such as:

• Genital warts
• Infection of human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
• Cervical cancer
• Noncancerous polyps

Risks and complications involved in cervical biopsy

Like every other surgery, this minor surgery also has certain risks and complications such as:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection or inflammation
• Allergic reaction to iodine while the surgery is in process
• Infertility or miscarriage 

One may also face fever, chills, abdominal pain, or foul smell in the vagina after the cervical biopsy. The patient should let the urologist know in case any such problem arises.
It is always suggested to discuss the allergies or any doubt one may have regarding the surgery with their urology surgeon or gynecologist beforehand to avoid any risk after the cervical biopsy.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/cervical-biopsy#procedure 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cervical-biopsy