Purpose of Procedure

A cervical biopsy is important for thedetection of cancerorprecancerous cells.

DES was prescribed from 1938 until 1971 to prevent miscarriage, premature labor, and related complications.

Once a cervical biopsy has been ordered, it is important to know which jot down you will have.

Cervical Pap smear showing abnormal cells

Spike Walker / The Image Bank / Getty Images

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend acervical cerclagewhere the cervix is sewn closed.

This procedure can help prevent preterm labor.

A cervical biopsy is generally safe during early pregnancy, although bleeding may occur.

Usually, it is done in the healthcare provider’s exam room or in an outpatient facility.

Cost and Health Insurance

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of a cervical biopsy.

What to Bring

You may experience light bleeding after the procedure.

If you’re having a cone biopsy, your healthcare provider may come out to greet you.

They may check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature before or after you change.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe a pain reliever 30 minutes before the procedure.

You may also need a sanitary napkin if you have discharge or bleeding.

Recovery will depend on the pop in of biopsy done and if you had anesthesia.

After a simple biopsy, you may rest for a few minutes before going home.

The dark discharge is from the medicine applied to your cervix to control bleeding.

If necessary, take a pain reliever for cramping, as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding sex or using tampons for up to two weeks after a cervical biopsy.

Certain activities may also be restricted.

Full recovery from a cone biopsy may take several weeks.

Managing Side Effects

You may experience some pain after the cervical biopsy.

The pathologist will send a report describing whether the cells are normal or abnormal and detailing their appearance.

The healthcare provider will then call you to share the results.

If they’re normal, it most likely means you do not have cervical cancer.

Though the cells appear cancerous, they do not yet have the potential to spread.

The terminology and treatment approaches for cervical dysplasia can be very confusing.

see to it to talk to your healthcare provider about any questions you may have.

Untreated cervical dysplasia may lead to cervical cancer in some cases.

However, having cervical dysplasia does not mean you have cancer or will develop the disease.

It can take years forcervical cancerto develop.

Treatment options may include cryotherapy, laser therapy, loop electrosurgical procedure (LEEP), or conization.

Remember, there are many factors that healthcare providers consider when recommending treatment.

Summary

Your healthcare provider may recommend a cervical biopsy if your Pap smear results are abnormal.

The results will help your healthcare provider determine the best treatment options if needed.

A Word From Verywell

Having a biopsy and waiting for the results can be very anxiety-producing.

That’s why it’s important to get regular screenings and, if necessary, a biopsy.

When cervical cancer is caught in its earliest stage, there is a 93% five-year survival rate.

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