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Biopsy in gynecology is an important tool that helps timely diagnose precancerous conditions, inflammatory diseases, and tumors, including malignant ones.
What is it
What is a biopsy in gynecology for women? It is a procedure in which a physician, using specialized instruments, extracts a small fragment of tissue (a specimen) from the vagina or other parts of the genital organs—the vulva, cervix, or endometrium—for subsequent microscopic analysis. A vaginal biopsy is performed on an outpatient basis, most often without the need for hospitalization. The physician may use local anesthesia, especially if the mucosal area is inflamed or the procedure causes discomfort. The extracted tissue sample is sent for histological examination, which allows for evaluating the cellular structure, the presence of inflammation, dysplasia, or tumor changes.
Indications for Biopsy
Vaginal biopsy in gynecology is performed strictly according to indications. The main ones are: suspicion of malignant or precancerous changes in the vaginal mucosa, the presence of persistent erosions, ulcers, areas of hyperpigmentation, pathological discharge with normal smear results, a positive result for high-risk oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV), heterogeneous or suspicious areas of the mucosa during colposcopy, and follow-up after treatment for dysplasia or oncopathology. The procedure is also used to evaluate changes after past infections, trauma, and as part of a comprehensive examination for infertility.
Contraindications
Although vaginal biopsy is a relatively safe method, there are contraindications: acute inflammatory diseases of the vagina and genital organs, significant blood clotting disorders (coagulopathy), menstruation, pregnancy (except for emergency cases and strictly according to indications), and severe somatic diseases in the stage of decompensation. The physician must assess the patient's general condition and, if necessary, postpone the procedure until the condition is stabilized.
Preparation for Biopsy
Preparation begins with a preliminary examination. It usually includes: smears for flora and cytology, tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a coagulogram, a complete blood count, a Pap test (as indicated), and an ultrasound of the pelvic organs. It is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse for 1–2 days before the procedure, not to use vaginal suppositories, and not to perform douching. On the day of the procedure, it is advisable to exclude physical exertion and stress, and to ensure good hygiene of the genital organs.
How is a Vaginal Biopsy Performed
The procedure is performed on a gynecological examination couch. The physician uses a colposcope for visual magnification of the vaginal mucosa and precise selection of the area for tissue sampling. A tissue fragment is taken using a specialized instrument—forceps, a scalpel, or a loop. A biopsy of the genital organs usually takes 10–20 minutes. The specimen is fixed and sent to the laboratory for histological examination. After the procedure, spotting or slight discomfort is possible—this is a normal mucosal reaction to the intervention.
Types of Biopsy
There are several types of vaginal biopsy, depending on the technique of performance and the extent of intervention:
• Incisional Biopsy — a part of the suspicious area is removed.
• Excisional Biopsy — the entire atypical area is excised, sometimes including surrounding healthy tissues at the margins.
• Punch Biopsy — performed with a thin needle; rarely used for the vagina.
• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) — primarily used for cervical lesions, but can also be used for the vagina.
• Laser Biopsy — the gentlest technique, minimizing the risk of scarring.
• Radiofrequency Biopsy — effective for precise, localized action, allows for careful tissue removal with minimal traumatization.
The choice of method depends on the location and nature of the lesion, the technical equipment of the clinic, and the physician's preference.
Consequences and Complications
Like any medical intervention, a biopsy can be accompanied by side effects, namely: minor bloody vaginal discharge, discomfort or dull aching sensations in the lower abdomen, mucosal irritation, and in rare cases, infectious complications. To avoid unwanted consequences, it is important to follow the physician's recommendations: do not engage in sexual intercourse for several days, maintain hygiene, do not use tampons, do not take baths, and do not visit swimming pools. In case of severe pain, heavy bleeding, or fever, urgent medical attention should be sought.
Results and Interpretation
Vaginal histology is the final and most crucial stage of the biopsy. The results of the examination are usually ready within 5–10 working days. The conclusion indicates: the presence or absence of atypical cells, signs of inflammation, the degree of dysplasia (if present), the presence of viral or fungal lesions, and the type of neoplasm, if one is detected. Depending on the diagnosis, the physician develops a plan for further action: from dynamic observation to surgical treatment.
Recovery After Biopsy
Recovery after a vaginal biopsy is generally quick and uncomplicated. However, during the first few days, it is important to observe a number of restrictions to allow the mucous membrane to heal and prevent the development of infection. The main post-procedure recommendations are:
• Abstinence from sexual intercourse for 5–7 days (or longer, if the physician recommended) to avoid traumatizing the healing mucosal area.
• Refraining from the use of tampons — preference should be given to sanitary pads.
• Exclusion of douching, vaginal suppositories, and any local products without a doctor's prescription.
• Avoiding hot baths, swimming pools, and saunas — for at least a week.
• Minimizing physical activity, especially heavy lifting.
• Monitoring of discharge — moderate spotting is considered normal, but in case of increased bleeding, the appearance of pus, or an unpleasant odor, medical help should be sought immediately.
It is also recommended to keep a self-monitoring calendar: noting the nature and duration of the discharge, general well-being, and the presence of pain. This will help the physician objectively assess the course of recovery during the follow-up visit.
Vaginal biopsy is an important stage in the diagnosis of gynecological diseases. Thanks to its accuracy and informativeness, it allows for the detection of dangerous changes at an early stage when they are still amenable to treatment. Modern methods of performing the procedure make it as comfortable and safe as possible for the patient.
What is it
What is a biopsy in gynecology for women? It is a procedure in which a physician, using specialized instruments, extracts a small fragment of tissue (a specimen) from the vagina or other parts of the genital organs—the vulva, cervix, or endometrium—for subsequent microscopic analysis. A vaginal biopsy is performed on an outpatient basis, most often without the need for hospitalization. The physician may use local anesthesia, especially if the mucosal area is inflamed or the procedure causes discomfort. The extracted tissue sample is sent for histological examination, which allows for evaluating the cellular structure, the presence of inflammation, dysplasia, or tumor changes.
Indications for Biopsy
Vaginal biopsy in gynecology is performed strictly according to indications. The main ones are: suspicion of malignant or precancerous changes in the vaginal mucosa, the presence of persistent erosions, ulcers, areas of hyperpigmentation, pathological discharge with normal smear results, a positive result for high-risk oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV), heterogeneous or suspicious areas of the mucosa during colposcopy, and follow-up after treatment for dysplasia or oncopathology. The procedure is also used to evaluate changes after past infections, trauma, and as part of a comprehensive examination for infertility.
Contraindications
Although vaginal biopsy is a relatively safe method, there are contraindications: acute inflammatory diseases of the vagina and genital organs, significant blood clotting disorders (coagulopathy), menstruation, pregnancy (except for emergency cases and strictly according to indications), and severe somatic diseases in the stage of decompensation. The physician must assess the patient's general condition and, if necessary, postpone the procedure until the condition is stabilized.
Preparation for Biopsy
Preparation begins with a preliminary examination. It usually includes: smears for flora and cytology, tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a coagulogram, a complete blood count, a Pap test (as indicated), and an ultrasound of the pelvic organs. It is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse for 1–2 days before the procedure, not to use vaginal suppositories, and not to perform douching. On the day of the procedure, it is advisable to exclude physical exertion and stress, and to ensure good hygiene of the genital organs.
How is a Vaginal Biopsy Performed
The procedure is performed on a gynecological examination couch. The physician uses a colposcope for visual magnification of the vaginal mucosa and precise selection of the area for tissue sampling. A tissue fragment is taken using a specialized instrument—forceps, a scalpel, or a loop. A biopsy of the genital organs usually takes 10–20 minutes. The specimen is fixed and sent to the laboratory for histological examination. After the procedure, spotting or slight discomfort is possible—this is a normal mucosal reaction to the intervention.
Types of Biopsy
There are several types of vaginal biopsy, depending on the technique of performance and the extent of intervention:
• Incisional Biopsy — a part of the suspicious area is removed.
• Excisional Biopsy — the entire atypical area is excised, sometimes including surrounding healthy tissues at the margins.
• Punch Biopsy — performed with a thin needle; rarely used for the vagina.
• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) — primarily used for cervical lesions, but can also be used for the vagina.
• Laser Biopsy — the gentlest technique, minimizing the risk of scarring.
• Radiofrequency Biopsy — effective for precise, localized action, allows for careful tissue removal with minimal traumatization.
The choice of method depends on the location and nature of the lesion, the technical equipment of the clinic, and the physician's preference.
Consequences and Complications
Like any medical intervention, a biopsy can be accompanied by side effects, namely: minor bloody vaginal discharge, discomfort or dull aching sensations in the lower abdomen, mucosal irritation, and in rare cases, infectious complications. To avoid unwanted consequences, it is important to follow the physician's recommendations: do not engage in sexual intercourse for several days, maintain hygiene, do not use tampons, do not take baths, and do not visit swimming pools. In case of severe pain, heavy bleeding, or fever, urgent medical attention should be sought.
Results and Interpretation
Vaginal histology is the final and most crucial stage of the biopsy. The results of the examination are usually ready within 5–10 working days. The conclusion indicates: the presence or absence of atypical cells, signs of inflammation, the degree of dysplasia (if present), the presence of viral or fungal lesions, and the type of neoplasm, if one is detected. Depending on the diagnosis, the physician develops a plan for further action: from dynamic observation to surgical treatment.
Recovery After Biopsy
Recovery after a vaginal biopsy is generally quick and uncomplicated. However, during the first few days, it is important to observe a number of restrictions to allow the mucous membrane to heal and prevent the development of infection. The main post-procedure recommendations are:
• Abstinence from sexual intercourse for 5–7 days (or longer, if the physician recommended) to avoid traumatizing the healing mucosal area.
• Refraining from the use of tampons — preference should be given to sanitary pads.
• Exclusion of douching, vaginal suppositories, and any local products without a doctor's prescription.
• Avoiding hot baths, swimming pools, and saunas — for at least a week.
• Minimizing physical activity, especially heavy lifting.
• Monitoring of discharge — moderate spotting is considered normal, but in case of increased bleeding, the appearance of pus, or an unpleasant odor, medical help should be sought immediately.
It is also recommended to keep a self-monitoring calendar: noting the nature and duration of the discharge, general well-being, and the presence of pain. This will help the physician objectively assess the course of recovery during the follow-up visit.
Vaginal biopsy is an important stage in the diagnosis of gynecological diseases. Thanks to its accuracy and informativeness, it allows for the detection of dangerous changes at an early stage when they are still amenable to treatment. Modern methods of performing the procedure make it as comfortable and safe as possible for the patient.
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