Cervical carcinoma is the fourth most common malignancy, and ranked
seventh as a cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong females; it affects
more than five hundred women, and causes the death of about one
hundred and fifty women each year. Most of these can be
prevented if Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) can be detected
and treated appropriately. CIN does not give rise to any
symptoms, but is suspected when abnormal cells are found on Pap
smear.
Pap smear can reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical carcinoma. The
target population encompasses all women from age twenty-five, or
the time of commencing sexual activity, until they reach sixty-five
years of age. Nine out of every ten smears will show entirely
normal cells, and the smear will be reported as negative. The
remaining one will be classified as abnormal, but it does not necessarily
mean that the woman has cancer. After two consecutive normal
annual smears, it is recommended to screen at three yearly intervals.
Colposcopy is a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of abnormalities
found in pap smears. It involves examination of the uterine
cervix and lower genital tract epithelium under magnification;
identification of potentially dyplastic or cancerous areas, and
performance of directed biopsies of abnormal areas to enable a
histological diagnosis. It is not painful and has no side
effects, and can detect cancer of the cervix at an early stage.
Colposcopy is a common procedure.
It is ordered by Obstetric and Gynaecology Specialists
after a pap smear is done.
This procedure could be performed as a day case.
Only Obstetric and Gynaecology Specialists perform
Colposcopy in our hospital.
For appointment or inquiry
with a specialist Obstetrician / Gynaecologist, Please phone: (852)
2276 7888