Cervix Biopsy

What Is A Cone Biopsy of the Cervix?

Patients may need a cone biopsy of the cervix when the doctor suspects that there are abnormal or cancerous cells on the cervix. These cells could become malignant, and a cone biopsy of cervix (also known as a conoscopy, cervix biopsy, or conization) allows the physician to sample and examine cells in order to determine an appropriate treatment. The procedure is named for the conical shape of the tissue section removed from the cervix.

Administering general or spinal anesthesia to the patient, the gynecologist inserts a speculum into the vagina to stretch the walls enough to permit a thorough examination of the vagina and cervix. The gynecologist then removes a cone of tissue from the cervix through the vagina with special instruments.

The patient is kept in a recovery room for approximately 1 to 4 hours after the cone biopsy of the cervix. Most patients make a full recovery within 1 week. During the recovery period, patients may experience vaginal bleeding or discharge. Patients should use sanitary napkins rather than tampons for approximately 3 weeks post surgery. In addition, douching is general discouraged until the patient has fully recovered. Sexual intercourse is usually possible after 4 weeks. Further treatment may be necessary, depending on the findings of the microscopic examination of the cervix cells.