Cervical Biopsy: What you should know?

A cervical biopsy is a surgical procedure performed to remove tissue from the cervix to test for the presence of any abnormal, precancerous, or cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that forms a canal opening into the vagina.

Why is cervical biopsy done?

A doctor usually suggests cervical biopsy if any abnormality during a routine pelvic exam or Pap smear is found. Abnormalities such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or anything related to precancerous are found during routine check-ups can later develop into cervical cancer.

A cervical biopsy is performed to find precancerous cells and cervical cancer, but your doctor may suggest this to diagnose and treat certain conditions that include genital warts or polyps (noncancerous growths) on the cervix.

A cervical biopsy can be done in many ways depending on the patient’s health and condition. The biopsy can be performed just to remove a sample of tissue for testing. If abnormalities found, a biopsy can be performed to completely take out the abnormal tissue and it can also be used to treat precancerous cells or the cells that can turn into cancer.

Types of cervical biopsies include:

There are three types of a cervical biopsy. Depending on the reason why you are undergoing the biopsy any of the below-mentioned biopsies will be performed.
  • Punch biopsy
  • Cone biopsy.
  • Endocervical curettage (ECC).

Risks involved in cervical biopsy:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
Other risks include in Cone biopsy which may increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage because of the scarring the cervix that would have happened during the surgical procedure.