Colposcopy
Medical Author:
Diamond Vrocher III, MD
Coauthor:
Mark J Lowell, MD
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Steven L Bernstein, MD
Colposcopy IntroductionColposcopy is the direct magnified inspection of the surface of a woman’s genital area, including the cervix, vagina, and vulva, using a light source and a binocular microscope. Doctors use the test to evaluate potentially cancerous areas, typically after a Pap smear has indicated the possibility of such a problem. Your doctor also may perform a biopsy (take a sample) of an abnormal area during the procedure. Colposcopy also can be used to detect inflammatory or infectious changes, harmless or cancerous growths, and traumatic injuries to the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Because the procedure is highly specialized, you should make sure that your doctor has performed many such examinations. |
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Colposcopy
Genital Warts (HPV Infection) »
Genital Warts (HPV) Overview
Genital warts are flesh-colored or gray growths found in the genital area and anal region in both men and women. Genital warts are sometimes referred to as condyloma acuminata or venereal warts. They represent the most common sexually-transmitted disease caused by a virus. The warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Infection with genital warts may not be obvious.
Genital warts affect both men and women and can occur at any age.
- Most patients with genital warts are between the ages of 17-33 years. Genital warts are highly contagious. There is around a 60% risk of getting the infection from a single sexual contact with someone who has genital warts.
- In children younger than three years of age, genital warts are thought to be transmitted by nonsexual methods such as direct manual contact. Nevertheless, the presence of genital warts in children should raise the suspicion for ...
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Colposcopy »
Literally translated, colposcopy (colpo: vagina; scope: to look)means to look into the vagina.
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