Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Cervical Biopsy
Overview & Description
A cervical biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of tissue from the cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus and contains the opening from the uterus to the vagina. The tissue sample is called a biopsy.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
A cervical biopsy is done to detect cancer of the cervix or precancerous changes. A cervical biopsy is usually done after a woman has abnormal results from a Pap smear that is done as part of a pelvic examination. A Pap smear is a test in which the provider uses a small spatula and a brush to gently scrape cells from the woman's cervix. These cells are sent to a lab for testing. The Pap smear may show early, abnormal, cancer-like changes in the cervix cells.
A colposcopy is an examination of the surface of the cervix through a magnifying scope. A woman should have a colposcopy, as well as a cervical biopsy, if one of the following conditions applies:
If necessary, a healthcare provider may safely perform a cervical biopsy on pregnant women. Usually, providers wait to take a cervical biopsy until after the delivery.
How is the procedure performed?
A cervical biopsy is done with the woman lying on her back with her feet in stirrups. The healthcare provider places a speculum inside the woman's vagina. This instrument helps enlarge the opening of the vagina, which allows the provider to see the cervix and vaginal interior.
The healthcare provider uses a colposcope to magnify and examine the cervix and vagina. To make cells more visible under the colposcope, the provider puts a mild solution of vinegar on the area. Sometimes the healthcare provider also uses a solution of weak iodine.
Then, the healthcare provider takes small bits of tissue, or a biopsy, from suspicious areas. The technique is called cervical punch biopsy. The woman may feel a brief pinch or cramp. The healthcare provider records the location of the abnormal areas and sends the tissue sample or samples to be viewed under a microscope.