A colposcope is used to examine the cervix. It is like a special magnifying glass with a light, and allows detailed examination of the cervix. A speculum is inserted (as for the Pap smear) and the colposcope used to look down the speculum at the cervix and vagina. Any areas of abnormality can be detected. A small piece of skin about the size of a matchstick head is sometimes removed from the cervix (a biopsy) and sent for further tests. The entire examination takes about 15 minutes and should not cause much discomfort .
Secretary
Prof Peter Russell
Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology
14 Giffnock Ave
MACQUARIE PARK
NSW 2113
P (02) 9855 6201
F (02) 9878 5077
prussell@dhm.com.au

 

 

 

A Pap smear is a screening test for abnormal cells on the cervix. A small sample of cells from the cervix is collected and placed on a slide. It is recommended that all women who have been sexually active have a Pap smear every 2 years. Most Pap smear results are normal. Abnormal changes are mostly reported as either low grade or high grade. Generally, low grade changes only need follow-up, and high grade changes require treatment. Your doctor will discuss this with you in more detail.

 

Cell changes on the cervix caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are common. Most women (up to 80%) have these changes on the cervix at some stage but the body usually clears them spontaneously in 1-2 years. Persistent HPV changes can lead to low or high grade abnormalities on the cervix (also called dysplasia, CIN or pre-cancer changes). There is no treatment for HPV changes and Pap smears are performed every 6-12 months until they disappear. HPV change on a Pap smear does not mean genital warts, which is a different entity.

Treatment is generally very simple and takes about 15-20 minutes to perform.
Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate procedure with you. Common choices are LLETZ, laser, diathermy or cone biopsy.
The treatments are performed under local or general anaesthetic. Again, your doctor will discuss this with you.

 

Committee of
Management

President:
Louise Farrell
Immediate
Past President:
Robert Rome
Vice President:
David Allen
Secretary:
Peter Russell
Treasurer:
Roy Watson
Members:
Chris Dalrymple
Annabelle Farnsworth
Ross Pagano
Gabriele Medley
Jeff Tan
Co-opted:
Ian Etherington

Treasurer
Dr Roy Watson
PO Box 488
North Adelaide
SA 5006
P (08) 8239 2811
F (08) 8239 2727
roywatson@iprimus.com.au



The purpose of the Society is to provide a forum for education and the dissemination of knowledge relevant to the diagnosis and management of the disease processes of the cervix, vagina and vulva. The Society also aims to advise learned bodies and government, and to establish relations with national and international organisations.


Public/Patient Section
Abnormal Pap Smear
HPV changes are common
Colposcopy explained
Treatment options
NCI: Screening Information
Professional Section
Scientific Meetings
Colposcopy Courses
Membership
NHMRC Guidelines
International Links
British Society
American Society
Singapore Society
International Federation
Journal
Global Library of Women's Medicine

The Society organisers a Scientific Meeting every 2 years. These are held in popular locations around Australia, and occassionally overseas. International speakers are invited to participate at each meeting. The next Scientific Meeting will be held in Darwin 13-16th August 2009

 

The Society also runs a Colposcopy Course every year. This covers a comprehensive range of topics and have proved very popular over the years. The last Colposcopy Course was held in Sydney 14-15th March 2009. The next Course and Update will be in Melbourne in May 2010.
Further information about both the Scientific Meetings and the Colposcopy Courses can be found on this website.

 

Members include gynaecologists, pathologists, cytologists, nurse practitioners and others. Any health professionals involved in the management of pre-malignant disease of the lower genital tract are welcome to apply for membership, and to participate in the many current issues and debates.

© 2004-2008 ASCCP

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