title: An introduction to colposcopy. Concepts, controversies and guidelines for practice.
abstract: Colposcopy is a clinical procedure used to investigate the health of the cervix and lower genital tract. This article is limited to an overview of the colposcopic examination. Colposcopy consists of four sequential steps visualization, assessment, sampling, and documentation and correlation. Since most women are dependent on their primary care providers for information and guidance, a post-colposcopic appointment will aid in the discussion of treatment options and help alleviate any fears or unanswered questions. Regardless of the treatment, stress the need for frequent follow-up exams for Pap smears or repeat colposcopy.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Palank
mesh_terms: D003127:Colposcopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology*