What Is Cone Biopsy Conization?
A cone biopsy conization is a more extensive form of a cervical biopsy. During this procedure, a cone-shaped wedge of tissue located high in the cervical canal is removed from the cervix. Along with any abnormal tissue, a small amount of normal tissue around the cone-shaped wedge is also removed to create a margin free of abnormal cells. The removed tissue is examined under a microscope to identify the exact nature of the cells and determine if cancer treatment is necessary.
Who May Need a Cervical Cone Biopsy?
If your Pap smear shows abnormalities or if your NYC gynecologist finds abnormalities during your routine pelvic exam, the next step may be a cervical cone biopsy.
Reasons you might need this procedure include:
- When a colposcopy fails to find the cause of an abnormal Pap smear
- To diagnose or treat genital warts
- An HPV biopsy to see if you’re infected with HPV
- To diagnose or treat noncancerous growths on the cervix, which are known as polyps
- As a form of treatment to remove early-stage cervical cancer cells
A cervical cone biopsy may be done along with a colposcopy, an exam that’s done to closely examine the cervix to look for signs of cancerous or precancerous tissue. Your NYC gynecologist may have other reasons to recommend this procedure.
What Does This Procedure Address?
This procedure is done if a PAP smear yields an abnormal result. It is an effective option if the abnormal tissue is found following a colonoscopy and is shown to extend high into the cervical canal. Most importantly, a cone biopsy conization can determine the extent, depth, and severity of the cancerous tissue and help determine the best treatment course.
How Does Cone Biopsy Conization Work?
A cone biopsy conization procedure is done on an outpatient basis and performed under general anesthesia. During the process, you will lie on your back on an exam table with your feet raised and supported by footrests. A lubricated tool called a speculum will be inserted into the vaginal allowing the cervix to be examined and operated on. In some cases, we may perform a LEEP Colposcopy using a similar technique.
What Can I Expect?
Following the procedure, you will have to rest and recover for about 1-4 hours. You may experience vaginal bleeding for about one week and spotting or discharge for 3-4 weeks. In order to fully recover, it is essential to avoid sexual activity for about three weeks. To ensure that the procedure was successful, you will be asked to return for an additional PAP smear and evaluation.
Your Top Tier Mount Sinai Provider
Cone Biopsy Conization in Columbus Circle, NYC
If you have received an abnormal PAP smear result, you do have treatment options. At Cohen Medical Practice, we provide same-day appointments at all three of our New York City locations. Book an appointment by calling (347) 545-2520 or clicking the button below to get in touch with our team in Columbus Circle, on Madison Avenue, or at Rego Park in Queens. Our team is fluent in English, Spanish, Korean, and Russian.