The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Cervical biopsy
INCLUDING CONE BIOPSY / PUNCH BIOPSY
During a colposcopy procedure, a part of your cervix can be removed for further analysis or treatment
What us a cervical biopsy for?
A cervical biopsy involves removing tissue from your cervix to test if for cancer. It can also be done to remove abnormal cells in the cervical tissue entirely.
A cervical biopsy is often carried out as part of a colposcopy, which involves using a colposcope (a telescope) to examine your cervix.
Need to know
Your consultant surgeon will gently insert a speculum into your vagina to spread the walls of it. They'll then use a colposcope (telescope) to examine the cervix. (The colposcope is not inserted into your vagina.) Your consultant surgeon will then remove a tissue sample or any abnormal tissues using one of the following techniques:
- Punch biopsy: This involves using a circular blade to remove a tissue sample.
- Cone biopsy: This uses a laser or scalpel to remove a large cone-shaped tissue sample.
- Endocervical curettage: This involves scraping the lining of the cervix to take a sample.
Your consultant will explain which technique is right for you.
Your consultant will explain how to prepare for the procedure. Depending on the nature of your biopsy, you may receive either a local anaesthetic (which will numb the cervical area) or general anaesthetic (which means you'll be asleep). As such, you may be required to limit your food and drink intake in the hours leading up to the procedure. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Your consultant will explain what happens after the procedure, including when you can get back to your normal routine and when you can expect to attend a follow-up meeting.
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Our Cervical biopsy locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.