CERVICAL BIOPSY

A cervical biopsy is a procedure to remove tissuefrom the cervix to test for abnormal or precancerous conditions, or cervical cancer.

Types of cervical biopsies include:

• Punch biopsy. This procedure uses a circular blade, like a paper hole puncher, to remove a tissue sample. One or more punch biopsies may be done on different areas of the cervix.

• Cone biopsy. This procedure uses a laser or scalpel to remove a large cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix.

• Endocervical curettage (ECC). This procedure uses a narrow instrument called a curette to scrape the lining of the endocervical canal. 

INDICATIONS FOR CERVICAL BIOPSY

A cervical biopsy may also be used to diagnose and help treat these conditions:

• Non-cancerous growth (polyps) on the cervix

• Genital warts. These may mean that you have an infection with HPV. HPV is a risk factor for cervical cancer.

Your health care provider may have other reasons to recommend a cervical biopsy.