Coordinators:
J. Bornstein (Israel) • A. Singer (UK)
Welcome to the EUROGIN Colposcopy course. Taking care of cervical precancer has evolved significantly in recent years. However, the basis remains – Colposcopy. Performing colposcopy necessitates knowledge and experience. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of the use of the colposcope and the essentials of diagnosing and treating precancerous cervical lesions.
The EUROGIN course has traditionally been led by professor Albert Singer, and we have the great pleasure of having him with us again this year, co-sharing the leadership of this course with Professor Jacob Bornstein, who headed the IFCPC Nomenclature committee that produced the contemporary colposcopy terminology.
Colposcopy is the visual examination of the epithelial cervix using either uni - or binocular vision. Specific abnormalities associated with both squamous and glandular precancer can be identified especially after the application of a 5% acetic acid solution. After this application, the abnormalities become visible as a result to changes in the epithelium and blood vessels in the stroma.
These changes occur within an area of the cervix called the transformation zone, an area bounded by the junction of the vaginal epithelium and the glandular epithelium arising from the endocervix (canal). Within this area, a change occurs in which glandular epithelium changes to squamous by a process of transformation, called metaplasia. The upper border of this metaplastic change is called the new squamocolumnar junction. The inability to see this junction means that abnormality may exist higher up in the endo cervix. A sample of any abnormality within the transformation zone can be taken by a simple punch biopsy.
Colposcopy is an essential part of the diagnosis and treatment of cervical precancer. It is indicated in the presence of abnormal cytology or in the finding of certain types of HPV and also when there are clinical symptoms and signs of early invasive cancer.
