Cervical biopsy

Including a cone biopsy / punch biopsy. This biopsy is preformed during a colposcopy procedure, a sample will be taken from your cervix and sent for further analysis.

Enquiries & Appointments

Women talking to nurse

What us a cervical biopsy for?

A cervical biopsy involves removing tissue from your cervix to test if for cancer. It can also be done to remove abnormal cells in the cervical tissue entirely.

A cervical biopsy is often carried out as part of a colposcopy, which involves using a colposcope (a telescope) to examine your cervix.

Need to know

Your consultant surgeon will gently insert a speculum into your vagina to spread the walls of it. They'll then use a colposcope (telescope) to examine the cervix. (The colposcope is not inserted into your vagina.) Your consultant surgeon will then remove a tissue sample or any abnormal tissues using one of the following techniques:

  • Punch biopsy: This involves using a circular blade to remove a tissue sample.
  • Cone biopsy: This uses a laser or scalpel to remove a large cone-shaped tissue sample.
  • Endocervical curettage: This involves scraping the lining of the cervix to take a sample.

Your consultant will explain which technique is right for you.

Your consultant will explain how to prepare for the procedure. Depending on the nature of your biopsy, you may receive either a local anaesthetic (which will numb the cervical area) or general anaesthetic (which means you'll be asleep). As such, you may be required to limit your food and drink intake in the hours leading up to the procedure. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Your consultant will explain what happens after the procedure, including when you can get back to your normal routine and when you can expect to attend a follow-up meeting.
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Our Cervical biopsy locations

The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street London W1W 5AH
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place London W1U 5NY
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, London SW1W 8RH
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE

Patient stories

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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.