colposcope

medical instrument

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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A colposcope is a medical instrument used for a procedure called colposcopy. This procedure involves a visual examination of the tissues of the cervix, vagina, and vulva using a special lighted magnifying instrument.12

Colposcopy is typically performed when a Pap smear suggests the possibility of cervical cancer. The colposcope allows doctors to detect precancerous abnormalities and identify specific areas for a biopsy, which is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. The instrument provides a magnified view, aiding in the early detection of potential issues.12

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colposcopy
…lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope. Colposcopy is used when the Papanicolaou test (or Pap smear; cervicovaginal cytology) suggests the possibility of cancer of the uterine cervix. It helps to detect precancerous abnormalities and identifies in which areas a biopsy should be performed for a definitive diagnosis to be made.
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…lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope. Colposcopy is used when the Papanicolaou test (or Pap smear; cervicovaginal cytology) suggests the possibility of cancer of the uterine cervix. It helps to detect precancerous abnormalities and identifies in which areas a biopsy should be performed for a definitive diagnosis to be made.
Read More