Health Information
Cone Biopsy (Conization) for Abnormal Cervical Cell Changes
Why It Is Done
A cone biopsy may be done after a Pap test shows Reference moderate to severe cell changes and:
- The abnormal tissue cannot be seen with Reference colposcopy Opens New Window but was found in cells collected from a biopsy of the cervical canal, or the abnormal tissue seen with colposcopy extends high into the cervical canal. A cone biopsy is done to remove and examine the abnormal tissue.
- The abnormal cells found on a Pap test cannot be seen with colposcopy or found in cells collected from a cervical biopsy. The cone biopsy may be used to diagnose the cause of the abnormal cell changes and remove the abnormal tissue at the same time.
- Cervical cancer is suspected based on Pap test results, colposcopy, and cervical biopsy. A cone biopsy can determine the extent, depth, and severity of the cancerous tissue and can guide treatment decisions.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: December 28, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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