Colposcopy

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admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:15:58 +0000

Colposcopy:Vaginal Infection

admin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:44:26 +0000

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa and often associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva. Vaginitis maybe asymptomatic, but usually leads to significant vaginal itching and irritation so that the patient self- medicates or seeks professional help. If it is caused by an infectious organism such as Chlamydia, the infection progress throughout the uterus into the fallopian tubes and ovaries and could lead to infertility. An infection via human papillomavirus can eventually increase the risk of cervical carcinoma. The common symptoms of vaginitis are irritation and itching of the genital area, inflammation of the labia majora, labia minora or perineal area, vaginal discharge, foul vaginal odor, discomfort or burning sensation when urinating, pain or irritation with sexual intercourse. While the general symptoms include candida vaginitis or candidiasis, it usually causes a watery, white cottage cheese like vaginal discharge. (more…)

Colposcopy- Cervical cancer, The Second Most Common Type of Cancer Among Women

admin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:41:19 +0000

The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly overtime. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which cells that are not normal begin to appear in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas. Human papillomavirus infection is the major risk factor for development of cervical cancer. Infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Women who do not regularly have a Pap smear to detect human papillomavirus or abnormal cells in the cervix are at increased risk of cervical cancer. Other possible risk factors include, giving birth to many children, having many sexual partners, having first sexual intercourse at a young age, smoking cigarettes, oral contraceptive use and weakened immune system. Early cervical cancer may not cause noticeable signs and symptoms. Women should have yearly check- ups, including Pap smear to check for abnormal cells in the cervix. (more…)

Importance of Colposcopy in Women

admin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:32:48 +0000

Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix or the lower part of the uterus and the wall of the vagina. It is performed using a special microscope, called colposcope that gives a magnified view of tissue lining the cervix and vagina. Colposcopy allows the examiner to take tissue sample or biopsy from specific areas that do not look normal. Usually, colposcopy is recommended from women who have a Pap smear that shows some abnormal cells, have an irritated area on the cervix or vagina, unexplained cervical or vaginal bleeding and women who took Diethylstilbestrol while pregnant. If doctors recommend colposcopy, it does not mean that you have cancer. (more…)

COLPOSCOPY:Preparation and Procedure

admin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:26:38 +0000

A colposcopy is a test in which the doctor uses an instrument called a colposcope to look at the cervix with magnification. The colposcope looks like a pair of binoculars mounted on a pedestal with a light attached. This instrument magnifies the cervix, vagina and external genital area when the doctor looks through the lenses into the vagina where a speculum has been placed. Different colored filters, similar to those used for cameras are used to block out colors. Magnification helps to see abnormal areas clearly so that biopsies (pieces of tissue) can be done precisely. The pieces of tissue are looked at in the laboratory under a microscope. After all the biopsies are taken, a scraping is done inside the cervical canal to make sure there are no abnormal cells past where the doctor can see. These scrapings are also sent to the lab to be looked at under the microscope. A colposcopy is done when abnormal cells are seen on a Pap Smear. (more…)

Colposcopy and Hinselman

admin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:22:40 +0000

In 1965, Hans Hinselmann published the first account of colposcopy. His idea was the original that the earliest cancers of the cervix must occur as minute ulcers or tumors which could be recognized by means of suitable magnification and illumination. Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix and the wall of the vagina. Hinselmann designed an instrument for using a sharply focused light with binocular magnification which he called a colposcope and a clinical investigation was invented in the new field called the colposcopy. It is performed using a special microscope, called a colposcope, which gives a magnified view of tissue lining the cervix and vagina. This exam is easily done in a medical office or clinic.
It is usually no more uncomfortable than having a Pap test. No anesthesia or pain medicine is needed. The patient lies on her back with her feet in stirrups. An instrument called a speculum is then inserted into the vagina. The examiner then looks through the colposcope, which remains outside of the vagina. Early cases of cancer and precancer can be treated with the loop electrosurgical incision procedure or a cone biopsy. In more serious cases, surgery may be needed to remove part of the cervix or, in some cases, the entire uterus. Pioneers usually encounter many difficulties and Hinselmann were no exception to this rule. Colposcopy is today widespread use on the continent of Europe and in some Latin American countries, recently has made relatively little impression in the English speaking part of the world.