Colposcopy for Abnormal Pap Smear

Colposcopy is a painless examination of the cervix and vagina with a low power microscope. This exam is generally done by a Gynecologist because of the training required to detect subtle blood vessel changes that are associated with pre-cancerous cells. Basically, pre-cancerous cells are cells, that for whatever reason, are dividing and multiplying too rapidly. These rapidly multiplying cells push blood vessels out of their way. This creates recognizable patterns in the configuration of these blood vessel and this is what is examined for. The magnified view of the cervix may also show everything to be normal, but if abnormal areas are found, the colposcope can be used to decide from which areas a biopsy should be taken.