Dysplasia Consultation / Colposcopy
Why have you been referred to the colposcopy consultation?
Abnormal or unclear Pap smear result
The goal of cancer screening is to detect abnormal but still benign changes in the cells of the cervix (so-called precancerous lesions or dysplasias) long before they can develop into cancer. Cervical cancer and its precursors are caused by an infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV). It is important to note that these precursors rarely develop into cancer and often regress without treatment.
In some cases, however, surgical treatment is necessary. Colposcopy is a very reliable method to detect and accurately classify these abnormalities. Early detection offers the advantage of gentle, quick, and simple treatment of precancerous lesions, usually performed on an outpatient basis. A hospital stay is rarely necessary.
Changes in the vulva and vagina
Chronic skin inflammations (e.g., lichen sclerosus), as well as malignant changes (vulvar carcinoma), can cause chronic, recurring symptoms in the genital area (itching, burning, or pain during sexual contact). Since these changes are often not visible to the naked eye, colposcopic examination of the vulva and tissue sampling may be required for clarification in case of symptoms or in high-risk patients.
Management of Dysplasia During Pregnancy
The evaluation of the aforementioned abnormalities is also possible during pregnancy; tissue sampling is only necessary in cases of higher-grade abnormalities.
Your Medical History & Previous Findings
Please bring all relevant previous findings with you. Especially in cases of chronic complaints, information about prior diagnostic (laboratory findings, cytology, histology) and therapeutic measures (surgery reports, list of medications used) is important for your treatment.
What Should You Do Before a Colposcopy?
Schedule an appointment in our colposcopy consultation. Please note that the examination should not take place during menstruation if possible. In such cases, contact us to reschedule your appointment.
Please bring a referral from your gynecologist.
In menopause, local hormonal pre-treatment of the vagina with estrogen suppositories is recommended, as hormonal deficiencies can significantly limit or prevent colposcopic assessment.
What Happens During a Colposcopy?
During colposcopy—similar to a cancer screening—you will lie on a special chair with leg supports. Our colposcope (similar to a video camera on a stand) provides a magnified view in full HD quality, enabling detailed examination of the cervix, vagina (colposcopy), and vulva (vulvoscopy).
Applying acetic acid and iodine solution (Lugol's solution) to the cervix facilitates the detection of abnormal areas.
To further evaluate an abnormal area, tissue sampling may be necessary. The small tissue sample, only a few millimeters in size, is sent for histological examination.
For tissue sampling from the cervix, anesthesia is usually not required. Tissue sampling from the vulva is always performed under local anesthesia.
After a tissue sample is taken, sexual intercourse is possible after a few days; however, during the wound healing period, there is an increased risk of transmitting pathogens (e.g., hepatitis or HIV).
After Receiving the Results
Once all results have been evaluated, you can discuss the necessary measures with your physician.
For a prompt appointment in the special consultation hours of PD Dr. med. Takacs, it is best to write us an email.
Please provide your name and phone number. We will get back to you as soon as possible.