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Cervical Biopsy

Cervical Biopsy services offered in Burlington, MA

You might need a cervical biopsy if your Pap smear result shows any abnormal cells. The highly skilled doctors and nurse practitioners at Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. in Burlington, Massachusetts, are experts in performing biopsies. They use methods like loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to minimize discomfort and have onsite lab facilities for biopsy analysis. Call Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. to learn more about cervical biopsies or schedule a consultation online today.

Cervical Biopsy Q & A

What is a cervical biopsy?

A cervical biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure where your gynecologist takes a small tissue sample from your cervix — the area between your vagina and uterus.

The sample goes to the lab for analysis, where skilled scientists examine the cells under a microscope. That enables them to detect cancerous or precancerous cervical cells.

Why might I need a cervical biopsy?

Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. might recommend a cervical biopsy if you have an abnormal Pap smear.

Pap smears are routine screening procedures for cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection — the primary cause of cervical cancer. Your gynecologist takes a cell sample by wiping a swab across your cervix. Lab tests identify any changes in the cervical cells.

Most cell changes detected by Pap smears aren’t cancerous. However, it’s vital to investigate any abnormalities to ensure you get prompt treatment if you have cancer. A cervical biopsy provides a larger tissue sample with which it’s possible to confirm if you have cervical cancer or another condition.

What does a cervical biopsy involve?

Your Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. provider uses a colposcope to see the vaginal and cervical tissues. This instrument provides light and magnification to ensure the clearest view possible. If they identify areas of concern during a colposcopy, your gynecologist takes a biopsy. They can do this in several ways:

Endocervical curettage

Endocervical curettage involves scraping the cervical canal’s mucous membrane using a spoon-shaped instrument (curette).

Cone biopsy

During a cone biopsy, your gynecologist removes a cone-shaped tissue sample from your cervix using a scalpel, laser, or heated wire (loop electrosurgical excision procedure or LEEP). The cone can collect tissue from the endocervix (next to your uterus) at its point, the exocervix (next to your vagina) at its base, and the transformation zone (the main part of the cervix) in its center.

Your gynecologist can eradicate precancers and treat early-stage cervical cancer during a cone biopsy.

Will my cervical biopsy be painful?

A cervical biopsy shouldn’t be too painful, but you may feel discomfort during and after the procedure.

During a colposcopy, you may experience burning or stinging when your provider puts vinegar or an iodine solution on your cervix.

A cervical biopsy can cause some cramping, and you may experience a little bleeding or discharge afterward. Your gynecologist can perform LEEP in-office under local anesthetic.

If you have an abnormal Pap smear, don’t take any chances. Call Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. to arrange a cervical biopsy or book an appointment online today.