title: The colposcopic examination.
abstract: A well-organized and complete colposcopic examination is a vital component of the evaluation of a patient with an abnormal Papanicolaou smear. The properly administered colposcopic examination requires patient preparation, correct equipment and an experienced colposcopist. Under magnified illumination, the cervix is examined for abnormalities. Visualization of premalignant and malignant changes guides the colposcopist in the choice of cervical biopsy sites. The severity and extent of disease can then be histologically determined, and appropriate treatment initiated.
authors.affiliation: Hamot Family Practice Residency Program, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D020681:Colposcopes; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans