Cervical Cancer Biopsy

A cervical biopsy can detect precancerous cells (cervical dysplasia) and cancerous cells in the cervix. This type of minor surgical procedure may be performed if cervical abnormalities are found during a pelvic examination or routine screening test, such as a Pap smear. Also, because most cervical cancers are linked to certain high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), a cervical biopsy may be considered if a woman tests positive for HPV.

Several biopsy procedures can be used to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of cervical cancer. These include:

Colposcopy-guided cervical biopsy 

A colposcopic biopsy is the most common type of cervical biopsy. During this procedure, a physician will gently insert a smooth, tube-shaped tool (speculum) into the vagina to hold the vaginal walls open. The physician will then use a special lighted instrument with a magnifying lens attached to the end (colposcope) to gain an enhanced view of the cervix. After applying a special solution to the cervix to highlight any abnormal cells, the physician will use a small, spoon-shaped instrument (curette) to collect tissue samples for evaluation by a pathologist. By viewing the samples under a high-powered microscope, the pathologist can conclusively identify cancerous cells.

During a colposcopic biopsy, some patients experience a mild pinching or scratching sensation as the tissue is removed, and then some spotting and cramping immediately afterward. Usually, any side effects are mild and subside within a day or two.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)

After opening the vaginal walls with a speculum, the physician will visualize the cervix and inject a local anesthetic (cervical block) to numb the tissue. Next, the physician will pass a thin wire loop heated by a controlled electrical current (LEEP wand) through the vagina. Using the LEEP wand, the physician will remove the abnormal cervical cells and a slim margin of surrounding healthy tissue. As the LEEP wand passes through the tissue, heat from its electrical current will cauterize the area and seal the blood vessels to minimize any bleeding. The tissue sample will then be sent to a laboratory for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist.

Some patients experience slight pressure during a LEEP and vaginal bleeding or discharge afterward. Though rare, the procedure is also associated with certain complications, such as infection and narrowing of the cervix (cervical stenosis), which can affect future pregnancies.

Cold knife cone biopsy 

A cone biopsy is similar to a LEEP but provides a larger tissue sample. Instead of using a heated wire, the physician will use a scalpel (“cold knife”) to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. As such, the technique is known as conization. 

Because a cone biopsy is more invasive than both a LEEP and a colposcopy-guided cervical biopsy, its side effects can be more intense. Some patients experience vaginal bleeding, bloody discharge and pelvic pain for a few days afterward. Conization also has a slight risk of complications, such as infection and cervical stenosis.

Laser conization

Another type of conization biopsy, laser surgery is similar to a cold knife cone biopsy. However, instead of using a scalpel, the physician will use an intense, narrow beam of light (laser) to remove the cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix.

Endocervical curettage (ECC)

After opening the vaginal walls with a speculum, the physician will use a narrow, pencil-like instrument (curette) to scrape cells from the lining of the passageway between the uterus and vagina (endocervical canal) for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist. Like a colposcopic biopsy, ECC may cause some mild discomfort, cramping and bleeding.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

All cervical biopsies can potentially cause side effects. However, it is important to understand that these minor diagnostic procedures are generally considered safe and essential for diagnosing and treating cervical cancer. Before recommending a cervical biopsy, the physicians at Moffitt will fully explain the procedure—along with its potential benefits and risks—to help ensure that the patient can make fully informed healthcare decisions with confidence.

If you have received an abnormal Pap test result and would like to receive a cervical cancer biopsy at Moffitt, you can request an appointment with a specialist in our gynecological clinic without a referral. Call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. Moffitt has disrupted the traditional patient care model by prioritizing rapid care, allowing our patients to begin treatment as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome and quality of life.