Colposcopy and Abnormal Pap Smears

Cancer and its precursors cause a great deal of anxiety for all of our patients. Fortunately, the Pap Smear provides an excellent screening device for this disease and has saved countless lives since its widespread use began in the 1950s.

Colposcopy is a procedure used to evaluate a Pap Smear that has been determined to be abnormal. The physician looks through a microscope at the cervix, which has been treated with a vinegar solution, to determine the proper place to biopsy tissue. This tissue is then sent to the pathologist for diagnosis. After the pathology report is available, our doctors will recommend a treatment for the abnormality.

Several treatments are available for abnormal Pap Smears, including laser, freezing of the cervix and removal of limited amounts of the cervix with a wire loop or LEEP procedure.

In a great many cases, all that is necessary is close observation and repeating the Pap Smear at appropriate intervals. All of our physicians are qualified to care for your Pap Smear needs and the follow-up necessary for your well-being.