It is a type of microscope with bright light that can magnify the image up to 40 times. Especially cancer of the cervix It is used in the evaluation of precursor (precancerous) findings. Colposcopy is an absolutely painless procedure. Cervical cancer screening for women is done with a smear test. The smir test gives false results in 15-20% of patients. In other words, although there is a disease, it gives the result that there is no disease. For this reason, patients who have a pathology detected in the smear test or whose appearance of the cervix is ​​suspicious even though there is no pathology in the smear should be examined with colposcopy.

There are two methods in the examination.

1. Wiping the cervix with cotton dripped with serum and then performing the examination
2. Wiping the cervix with a dry tampon and then examining it.

With both types of wiping, cell debris and exudates on the area to be examined are cleaned. With colposcopy, the cervix is ​​examined by enlarging it at 10-15 magnification. During the examination, tissue damage, protruding structures and vascular features are examined. If there are any abnormalities, they are noted. Then, cotton impregnated with 3-5% acetic acid is applied to this area for 5-10 seconds. Application of this liquid facilitates the emergence of areas with damaged cell structure and the potential for cancer. Whitening occurs in these areas. The main findings to consider in colposcopic examination:

1. Areas that appear white before acetic acid is applied (leukoplakia)
2. Areas that turn white after applying acetic acid (acetowhite area)
3. Areas where dot-style vessel sections are densely seen (punctation)
4. Image in flagstone or mosaic style
5. Irregular, anarchically distributed vascularity.

A biopsy should be performed from the areas where these lesions are seen. The parts taken by biopsy are sent for pathological examination. According to the results, the treatment to be given to the patient is determined.