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Colposcopy in pregnancy
Colposcopy is a method of enhanced diagnostics of cervical dysplasia, aimed at preventing cervical cancer. Its role is the same in and out of pregnancy. It is often performed after obtaining abnormal results of cervical cytology or a test for human papillomavirus (HPV16 and HPV18), or any other abnormal findings such as polyps, or unexplained bleeding from the cervix. However, in pregnancy, the first screening test is still a cytological examination of the cervical smear. Colposcopy allows for the identification of suspicious lesions, which allows for a biopsy to be collected for histopathological evaluation. Biopsy is not recommended during pregnancy except for the detection of lesions suspected of being invasive. Colposcopy is minimally invasive, generally well tolerated and crucial for the early detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and other gynecological lesions. In pregnancy, this role is reduced to observing the cervix for the progression of lesions. Pregnancy-related lesions in the cervix sometimes make it difficult to assess the cervix effectively and reliably. Therefore, the experience of the physician performing colposcopy during pregnancy is of great importance. In this review we want to summarize the current data about colposcopy during pregnancy.
Cervical screening during pregnancy — a review of recommendations
Cervical cytology is a vital screening tool used to detect precancerous and cancerous cells in the cervix. The procedure is crucial in preventing cervical cancer by enabling the early detection and treatment of abnormal cells. In the context of pregnancy, cytology remains an essential component of prenatal care. Numerous studies confirmed that cytology was safe for both the mother and the fetus when performed correctly. The interpretation of cytological results during pregnancy requires careful consideration due to physiological changes in the cervix, which may mimic or obscure pathological findings. The review describes physiological changes in cervical cytology during pregnancy, interpretation challenges and the guidelines of international societies in this topic.
