There are a number of different scopes that are used in the medical field, including microscopes, otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, stethoscopes and, the not as popular, colposcopes.
What is a colposcope?
A colposcope is defined as a magnifying device that allows medical practitioners to inspect the cervix, vagina and vulva to determine whether there is the presence of a disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. The procedure performed with a colposcope is called a colposcopy.
When was the colposcope invented?
The colposcope was invented by Hans Hinselmann, a German gynecologist, in 1925 when he first described the foundation of the device, the International Agency for Research on Cancer noted. The instrument was then mentioned in a medical text in 1933.
Which doctors use colposcopes?
A wide range of medical practitioners use a colposcopes as a diagnostic instrument for both women's and men's health. Those in the fields of general and family medicine, gynecology, obstetrics, fertility specialists and more perform colposcopies.
What is the purpose of a colposcope?
There are several reasons why medical practitioners will want to use a colposcope, such as:
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Follow-up to an abnormal pap test. If a patient had a pap smear that showed abnormal cell growth, the medical service provider may want to use the colposcope to take a closer look at the patient's cervix. Medical practitioners are more able to see lesions that may indicate the presence of cancer with this magnifying device.
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To see genital warts. The colposcope is sometimes used for finding less visible warts, such as near the anus, vulva or vagina.
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To examine the patient after a sexual assault. A colposcope can be used by a sexual assault nurse examiner to examine and treat sexual assault victims.
How does a colposcope work?
The colposcope works by using a field microscope with objective lenses pointed toward the patient, according to the IARC. At the end of the microscope are the binocular eye pieces that the doctor looks through to view the other end. A knob allows the doctor to adjust the magnification of the lens. The magnification of a colposcope may range between 3.75x to 27x. There is typically a light source as well as a dimmer switch to change the brightness of the light to help illuminate the image.
What can patients expect from a procedure performed with a colposcope?
Prior to the procedure using a colposcope, the patient lies on the examination table and puts their feet in the stirrups. The medical provider will then use colposcopic instruments, such as the bivalve specula and vaginal side-wall retractor, to make the vaginal opening wider to better assess the condition of the cervix. The patient should also expect to have a cotton applicator inserted to apply acetic acid, similar to regular vinegar. This is done to make abnormal cells more visible, for viewing with the colposcope.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure itself is usually not painful because the colposcope does not damage any tissue. The patient may experience some discomfort from the colposcopic instruments used. There might also be some spotting afterward. The medical provider may have to perform other procedures to diagnose or treat diseases. For example, if the colposcopy reveals abnormal cells, a biopsy or a loop electrosurgical excision procedure to cut out abnormal tissue may be performed, which may result in some pain.
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