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Colposcopy - directed biopsy - Results

Alternative Names

Biopsy - colposcopy - directed; Biopsy - cervix - colposcopy; Endocervical curettage; ECC; Cervical punch biopsy; Biopsy - cervical punch; Cervical biopsy

Normal Values:

Your doctor should be able to tell you about anything abnormal that was seen during a colposcopy. A smooth, pink surface of the cervix is normal.

A specialist called a pathologist will examine the tissue sample from the cervical biopsy and will report to your doctor whether the cells appear normal or abnormal. Results of a biopsy most often take 1 - 2 weeks. If the biopsy results are normal, it means that no cancer or precancerous changes were seen in the cells.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal findings that may be seen during the colposcopy include:

Abnormal patterns in the blood vessels
Areas that are swollen, worn away, or wasted away (atrophic)
Cervical polyps
Genital warts
Whitish patches on the cervix

Abnormal biopsy results may include:

Cancer of the cervix
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (precancerous tissue changes that are also called cervical dysplasia)
Cervical warts (infection with human papilloma virus, or HPV)

Female reproductive anatomy

Colposcopy-directed biopsy

Uterus

Reviewed last on: 2/21/2010
Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 99: management of abnormal cervical cytology and histology. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112:1419-1444.

Apgar BS, Kittendorf AL, Bettcher CM, Wong J, Kaufman AJ. Update on ASCCP consensus guidelines for abnormal cervical screening: tests and cervical histology. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80:147-155.

Noller KL. Intraepithelial neoplasia of the lower genital tract (cervix, vulva): Etiology, screening, diagnostic techniques, management. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2007:chap 28.

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