Cervical Cone Biopsy
If a patient receives an abnormal result from a Pap smear, further testing is usually done to determine whether there are any cancerous or precancerous cells present within the cervix. A cervical cone biopsy is often performed to gather additional information. It involves the removal of a cone-shaped segment of tissue from the cervix.
Benefits of a Cervical Cone Biopsy
The benefits of a cervical cone biopsy are twofold. It can determine whether precancerous or cancerous cells exist in the cervix, and also serve as a treatment method for removing certain precancerous growths or early-stage cancers.
The Cervical Cone Biopsy Procedure
During a cervical cone biopsy, tissue is taken from the upper and lower parts of the cervix in areas in which cancerous cells are most likely to form.The tissue is removed by using either an electrically heated wire loop or a surgical scalpel. The tissue is then examined for abnormalities and cancer. After a cervical cone biopsy, a patient may have minimal bleeding and cramping that lasts for a few hours, and a light discharge that lasts up to a week.
A cervical cone biopsy is an important tool for detecting cervical cancer.