Overview
Colposcopy is a simple examination that allows a doctor or nurse to look closely at the cervix (the neck of the womb). The cervix is viewed using a speculum (the instrument used to take a cervical screening sample) and then examined using a colposcope, which provides magnification. The doctor or nurse may apply a number of different solutions to the cervix to help identify any changes that may indicate pre-cancerous cell changes.
Most people who attend our department are referred following an abnormal cervical screening result, although some people may be referred because of symptoms such as bleeding after sex or because their cervix looks unusual.
Our colposcopy clinics are run by consultants, the Colposcopy Nurse Specialist and Colposcopy Nurses. We understand that attending a colposcopy appointment can feel anxious or worrying. A nurse or healthcare assistant will always be with you during your examination to support you and help you feel comfortable.
As we regularly teach medical, nursing and midwifery students as well as train doctors and nurses in this specialist area, there may be an opportunity for a student or trainee to be present during your consultation or examination. We will always ask for your consent before they are present, and you can choose not to have them involved. Saying ‘no’ will not affect the care you receive.
Useful Links & Information
Our service provides
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Colposcopy
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Cervical Biopsy
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Loop diathermy excision (LLETZ)
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Cold coagulation
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Cervical smear (if indicated)
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Vulvoscopy
Clinical team
Miss Singh - Consultant Gynaecologist and Lead Colposcopist
Mr Al-Aarag - Consultant Gynaecologist and CSPL
Miss Maku - Consultant Gynaecologist, Deputy Lead Colposcopist and Deputy CSPL
Miss Taylor - Consultant Gynaecologist
Mr El-Sayed - Consultant Gynaecologist
Miss Rana - Consultant Gynaecologist
Victoria Ibeziako - Colposcopy Clinical Nurse Specialist and Lead Colposcopy Nurse
Jane Dike - Colposcopy Staff Nurse
Admin team
Heather Beasley - Colposcopy Co-Ordinator
Nicola Bryen - Colposcopy Administrator
Tuesday Tucker - Colposcopy Administrator
Most patients are referred directly from the cytology laboratory. These patients will receive a Colposcopy appointment which is made by the secretarial team. General Practitioners can also refer to Colposcopy via a direct paper referral. Depending on the urgency of the referral, you will be seen between 2 and 6 weeks of the date of referral. At the time of referral it should be ensured that any pre-referral investigations are completed as indicated according to the BSCCP guidelines. Colposcopy is not part of the Choose and Book service.
We have a monthly Colposcopy Multidisciplinary Meeting (MDT) which is held on the first Tuesday of the month. This meeting is held to discuss any discrepancies and concerns. Gynaecology Consultants, Consultant Pathologists, Cytologists, Trainees, Nursing team and Secretarial team are present at these meetings.
- Click here to visit the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology website
- Click here for cervical screening: programme and colposcopy management guidance
- Click here to find out more about what a colposcopy is
