Colposcopy (Abnormal pap smears)

Our knowledge of the triggers for precancer cells of the cervix has grown massively in the last 15 years. We now know that some strains of the common wart virus on the cervix can trigger abnormalities in cells. If these are noted on a pap smear and are persistent and of high grade, some women need a further investigation called a colposcopy. We can offer this as a simple outpatient procedure in our Artarmon (Sydney lower north shore) clinic. This helps the laboratory distinguish which women need further treatment. Hopefully, with the advent of the HPV (wart virus) immunisation programme in school age girls we will see less of this problem.