Cervical biopsy

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Cervical biopsy	Cold cone biopsy	Colposcopy-directed biopsy	Female reproductive anatomy
Uterus

Some cramping may occur after the biopsy. Many women have a tendency to hold their breath during pelvic procedures in anticipation of pain. Making an effort to concentrate on slow, regular breathing will help you relax and reduce or eliminate some pain.

A cervical biopsy is usually performed when a pap smear indicates significant abnormalities, or when an abnormal area is seen on the cervix during a routine pelvic examination. The biopsy identifies the abnormality. When a positive pap smear shows minor cell changes or abnormalities, a biopsy probably will not be done immediately, unless there is a reason to believe you may be in a high-risk category. It is usually recommended that a repeat pap smear be done in 6 months if minor changes are detected.

Review Date: 05/15/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.