Contact outpatient clinics Rearrange or cancel clinic appointment

Tel colposcopy clinic: 01223 216 603

 

Colposcopy ('coll-poss-co-pee') involves looking at your cervix and the vagina with a colposcope, which is a magnifying instrument. Often, women are sent an appointment to attend the Colposcopy Clinic after a routine smear test.

 

Finding the clinic

 

...from within the Rosie

 

The clinic is situated on Level 1 of the Rosie Hospital and is well sign-posted and easy to find.

 

Enter the Rosie through the main Rosie entrance. Go past the reception desk and turn right. The Outpatients department is straight ahead.

 

...from the main entrance

 

From the main hospital entrance turn right into the main concourse. Follow signs towards the Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre and the Rosie Maternity Hospital. Walk straight along the 'Clown' corridor until you reach a left turn which is signposted 'Rosie'. Follow this corridor up the ramp until you see lifts on the right hand side.

 

Parking information

 

Visitors should park in the Rosie car park or the main hospital car park.

 

See the Finding us section for more travel information.

 

 

Why do I need to go to the colposcopy clinic?

 

There are several reasons why women are invited for an appointment at the colsposcopy clinic - all of them include needing to look carefully at your vagina and/or cervix:

• Three 'inadequate' smears
  You might be invited to attend the Clinic if three attempts to take a smear test have failed to provide a good enough cell sample for the laboratory. Because of the additional equipment at the Colposcopy Clinic, they have a better chance of either getting a good-quality smear, or of using an alternative technique to examine your cervix
  
  
• Abnormal smear
  You might be invited to attend the Clinic if a smear test has shown some abnormalities of the cells. These smears need further investigation because it is known that if they are not treated some of these abnormal smears might progress to cervical cancer in time
  
  

The examination

 

At the Colposcopy Clinic we will explain to you what we would like to do.

• As for a smear test, you will need to remove your shoes and pants
  
  
  

• For your comfort, you will lie on your back on a special couch with your legs supported
  
  

• The examination itself takes about ten minutes and is similar to having a smear test but using some additional equipment. The doctor (or nurse) will pass a speculum into your vagina so they can get a good view of your cervix. The colposcope itself does not go inside you, it just gives a better view of your cervix. If you wish, you can watch the procedure on a TV screen next to the couch
  
  

• Smear test: A sample of cells can be taken, as for a smear test - if this is the reason for the appointment
  
  

• Infection: If necessary, swabs can be taken to detect any infection on the cervix
  
  

• Biopsy: A solution of mild acetic acid (like vinegar) is gently washed over the cervix. This makes any areas that have abnormal cells appear white. The colposcopist can then take a tiny sample (a biopsy), which will be sent to the laboratory for further testing

After the examination, the colposcopist will explain what they have seen and whether or not they think you will require any further treatment at this appointment or later on.

 

Further appointments

 

Whether you will need further appointments depends on what is found during the examination and from any biopsies taken. You might be invited to make an appointment for further treatment at this stage, or an appointment might be sent to you when the result of the biopsy has been received. Usually, the results are ready in about 4 to 6 weeks. Sometimes, treatment is offered at your first visit.

 

 

 

Back to top