A cervical biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of the cervix so the tissue can be examined under a microscope.
The amount of cervical tissue removed depends on the method used.
• A simple cervical biopsy, sometimes called a punch biopsy, removes a small piece of tissue from the surface of the cervix. • An endocervical biopsy (endocervical curettage) removes tissue from high in the cervical canal by scraping with a sharp instrument. • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal tissue. • A cone biopsy (conization) is a more extensive form of a cervical biopsy that removes a cone-shaped wedge of tissue from the cervix.
It is recommended that woman not have sex or douche 24 to 48 hours before a colposcopy/biopsy. These activities can cause inaccurate results.
You may feel some discomfort when the vaginal speculum is inserted. You may feel a pinch and have some cramping if a biopsy sample is taken.