Cone Biopsy

A cone biopsy is a surgical procedure aimed at getting a cone-shaped sample of the cervix within the endocervical canal to accurately diagnose, and sometimes treat, cervical dysplasia or early cervical cancer. This can be accomplished by traditional surgery ("cold-knife conization") or laser. Because a cone biopsy involves surgery, there are potential complications such as infection and scarring.

What's Next? The Possibilities:

- If margins are clear (indication that all the dyplasia was removed), follow up with Paps and checkups.

- If margins aren't clear, either watch and wait, repeat cone, or hysterectomy depending upon how close to cancer the dysplasia is, and how much tissue is left in the cervix.

- If cancer is found, cancer assessment.

Copyright © 2001 by Laura Dolson. All rights reserved. Please submit reprint requests to gyncancer@baymoon.com

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