A cervical biopsy may be required if your Pap smear result shows any abnormal cells. The highly skilled doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants at Burlington OBGYN Associates in Burlington, Massachusetts, are experts in performing biopsies. Physicians at Burlington OBGYN perform loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) if needed after the cervical biopsy. This procedure can be done at our location in Burlington, MA or in the hospital operating room based on patient preference. Call Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. to learn more about cervical biopsies or book an appointment online today.
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 lower part of your uterus. The sample is then sent to a qualified laboratory for analysis where the cells are examined. This enables detection of cancerous or precancerous cervical cells.
Why might I need a cervical biopsy?
Doctors at Burlington OBGYN Associates may 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. Most cell changes detected by Pap smears aren’t cancerous. However, it’s critical to further investigate any abnormalities to ensure you have a solid treatment plan if you have cancer.
What does a cervical biopsy involve?
Gynecologists at Burlington OBGYN Associates use colposcope (colposcopy) 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, a sample is taken in one of many ways:
Cervical biopsy: Using a small instrument, the gynecologist takes a very small portion of the cervix where abnormal findings are noted during colposcopy.
Endocervical curettage: Endocervical curettage involves scraping the cervical canal’s mucous membrane using a spoon-shaped instrument (curette).
Cone biopsy: A cone biopsy may be needed if abnormal cells are found on the cervical biopsy specimen. 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. LEEP procedure can be done at Burlington OBGYN location or in an operating room at the hospital.
Will my cervical biopsy be painful?
A cervical biopsy is not a very painful procedure, but you may feel discomfort during and after the procedure. A cervical biopsy can cause some cramping, and you may experience a little bleeding or discharge afterward.
If you have an abnormal Pap smear, don’t take chances. Call Burlington OBGYN Associates. to arrange a cervical biopsy or book an appointment online today.