The needle biopsy is a surgery to remove a sample of abnormal tissue of the cervix . The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina. Abnormal changes in cells on the surface of the cervix are called cervical dysplasia .
Summary
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- 1 How the test is performed
- 2 Preparation for the exam
- 3 How the test will feel
- 4 Reasons why the exam is performed
- 5 Normal Values
- 6 Meaning of abnormal results
- 7 Risks
- 8 Alternative names
- 9 Source
How the test is performed
This procedure is done in the hospital. You will be given general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free ) or you will be given medicine to help you relax and feel sleepy .
You will lie on a table and place your feet in stirrups in order to locate the pelvis for evaluation. The doctor will insert an instrument (speculum) into the vagina to better view the cervix .
A small cone-shaped sample of tissue is removed from the cervix and examined under a microscope for signs of cancer . This biopsy can also be a treatment if the doctor removes all the affected tissue.
Most of the time, you will be able to leave the hospital for the home the same day of the procedure.
Preparation for the exam
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before the test.
How the test will feel
After the procedure, you may have some cramping or discomfort for about a week. For 4 to 6 weeks, avoid:
- Vaginal douches (should never be done).
- Sexual intercourse.
- The use of tampons.
For 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure, you may have a discharge that is:
Reasons why the test is performed
The needle biopsy is to detect cervical cancer or initial changes that lead to cancer . A surgical conization is performed if a test called colposcopy cannot find the cause of abnormal vaginal cytology .
The conization can also be used to treat:
- Types of moderate or severe abnormal cell changes (called CIN II or III).
- The cervical cancer in its very earliest stages (Stage 0 or IA1)
Normal values
A normal result means that there are no cancer or precancerous cells on the cervix .
Meaning of abnormal results
Most of the time, abnormal results mean there are precancerous or cancer cells in the cervix. These changes are called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The changes are divided into three groups:
- CIN I: mild dysplasia.
- IAS II: moderate to marked dysplasia.
- IAS III: severe dysplasia to carcinoma in situ.
Abnormal results may also be due to cervical cancer.
Risks
The risks of surgical conization include:
- Bleeding .
- Cervical insufficiency (which can lead to premature labor).
- Infection .
- Scarring of the cervix (which can cause painful menstrual periods, premature labor, and difficulty getting pregnant).
- Damage to the bladder or rectum.
Surgical conization can also make it difficult for the doctor to interpret abnormal results of a vaginal cytology in the future.
Alternative names
Cone biopsy ; Scalpel conization ; Cervical conization ; Conization of the cervix ; CKC
