Biopsy of the Cervix

A biopsy of the cervix is a very small piece of tissue that is removed from the cervix quickly and with only a little discomfort. It is not necessary to use a local anaesthetic and most patients are not aware that the biopsy has been taken.

Usually more than one biopsy is needed and these will all be taken at your appointment, you don’t usually have to make a return visit to have them done.

Any bleeding will be stopped at the time of biopsy removal by applying a special paste or using a silver nitrate stick (medical device which stops bleeding with a chemical.)

This little piece of tissue is then put into some preserving fluid and sent to the Pathology Department for examination.

Biopsies have no harmful effects but you are advised:

• To avoid sexual intercourse for 2 to 4 days.

• To avoid using tampons for 2 to 4 days.

• To avoid soaking for a long time in the bath for 2 to 4 days (showers are recommended rather than a bath).

• To avoid excessive exercise for 2 to 4 days.

• You may have a moderate blood loss for up to 6 days.

• 1 in 20 patients experience pain which may last for 2 days, simple pain relief you can buy over the counter will help with this (paracetamol).

Why did I need this biopsy?

Some abnormal areas on your cervix have been identified by the colposcopist (nurse or doctor) and we would like to take a small tissue biopsy so that a pathologist (specialist who looks at samples and tests them) can examine this tissue.

What might the biopsy show?

• No abnormal cells.

• Inflammation or Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – this is regarded as a normal finding.

• CIN which stands for Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia and is the medical term used to describe cell changes in the cervix that have been confirmed by biopsy. THEY ARE NOT CANCEROUS. They are changes to the cells that cover the outside of the cervix (squamous cells).

• Very rarely will a biopsy show cell changes that have already developed into cancer.

What is CIN?

There are 3 grades of CIN and they relate to how deeply the abnormal cells have gone into the skin covering the cervix:

• CIN 1 (low grade) – up to one third of the thickness of the lining covering the cervix has abnormal cells.

• CIN 2 (high grade) – up to two thirds of the thickness of the lining covering the cervix has abnormal cells.

• CIN 3 (high grade) – the full thickness of the lining covering the cervix has abnormal cells.

You will be informed of your the results by letter within 4 to 8 weeks.

Please contact your GP or the Outpatient Department where you had your procedure for further advice if:

• You have any heavy bleeding.

• You have any discharge with an unpleasant smell from your vagina.

• You feel feverish, unwell or develop a temperature higher than 38°C.

• Your pain increases.

Further Advice:

We hope that you have found the information in this leaflet helpful. If you require any further advice regarding your care, please do not hesitate to ask the clinic staff. They are there to support you and are happy to help with any concerns or anxieties you may have.

Contact numbers:

University Hospital of North Tees

Outpatients Department:
Monday to Friday, 09.00am to 5.00pm
Telephone: 01642 624172

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Outpatients Department:
Monday to Friday, 09.00am to 5.00pm
Telephone: 01429 522865

You can also contact a Specialist Nurse Colposcopist on the following number:

Colposcopy Hub
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Telephone 01429 522268

References:

Public Health England (2024) NHS Cervical Screening: Programme and Colposcopy Management,  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management

Lellé, R.J., Küppers, V., (2023) Colposcopy: Comprehensive Textbook and Atlas

Useful Websites:

Cancer Research UK:
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust:
www.jotrust.co.uk

The British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology:
www.bsccp.org.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet Reference: PIL1259
Date for Review: January 2028