The most common indication for colposcopy is an abnormal pap smear. The cervix is cleaned with a weak acetic acid solution to remove secretions and the observed under magnification. Colposcopy can be used to detect viral infections and cervical dysplasia of the cervix that put women at a higher risk for cervical cancer.
Cervical dysplasia is a step between a normal cervix and cervical cancer.
Cervical dysplasia is frequently caused by human papilloma virus, which also causes genital warts, but the absence of warts does not mean there is no infection. Cervical dysplasia can usually be treated in the office by cryosurgery or laser surgery. The unwanted cells are frozen and sluff off after a couple of days leaving normal cervical cells. If the dysplasia extends deeper into the cervical canal, then laser surgery can be performed to destroy the dysplastic cells. Physicians Medical Center is equipped to perform either procedure in our office.