What are the different types of biopsies?
- Endocervical curettage (ECC): in which the doctor removes a small amount of cells using a curette that looks like a peeler .
- Punch biopsy: in which the doctor using a small forceps punches out a small amount of tissue.
- Cone biopsy: in which the doctor uses a scalpel or a cold knife to remove a large cone shaped piece of tissue And a part of the underlying cervical tissue in order to get a deeper look into the cervix and estimate the extent of the invasion into the cervix to be able to grade it .
There are many other methods used than a scalpel for obtaining a cone biopsy for example :
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- using laser excision conization by co2 laser .
- Using loop electro-excisional procedure (LEEP) by a thin wire loop.
The doctor may give you a general anesthetic in case of a cone biopsy to make it less painful as it penetrates deeper into the tissue irritating the nerves in the area.
After the biopsy is taken your doctor will cauterize the area or apply sutures if the biopsy is big to minimize the bleeding but if it’s a small biopsy he will only apply some topical medication over the wound and it will heal on its own in approximately the following 4-6 weeks.
