Cone Biopsy
Alternate Names : Cervical Cone Biopsy, Cervical Conization
A cone biopsy is a surgical procedure that involves taking a large tissue
sample 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 cone biopsy is used to detect
cancer
of the cervix or precancerous changes. A cone biopsy is usually
done after a woman has abnormal results from a Pap smear that has been 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.
How is the procedure performed?
A cone biopsy is generally done under general anesthesia in
an operating room.
General anesthesia means medications are used to put
a person to sleep during a procedure so that no pain
is felt. A cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix with a
special tool. A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope for abnormal
cells that indicate cervical cancer. The procedure often completely
removes the diseased tissue.
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