Cervical Punch Biopsy
What is a cervical punch biopsy?
A cervical punch biopsy is when a small piece of tissue is taken from the cervix.
Why did I have a biopsy taken?
Your colposcopy examination showed an area on your cervix where there may be an abnormality. The biopsy will be sent to the laboratory to be reviewed. The results will tell us if there is an abnormality present. This will guide us in deciding on the most appropriate management option for you.
What should I expect following the biopsy?
- You can expect a slight blood-stained discharge, possibly streaked with grey/black, to last for a few days. This is entirely normal and due to the silver nitrate used to stop any bleeding. It should clear by itself.
- Use sanitary towels, not tampons, for the bleeding / discharge. This is to allow the area to heal and to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid sexual intercourse for five days or longer until the bleeding/discharge has stopped again, to allow the area to heal and reduce the risk of infection.
- You may find you experience “period type discomfort” immediately after the procedure or later on during the day. If necessary mild pain relief (such as paracetamol /ibuprofen) can be taken.
What risks or complications can occur?
Complications are very rare but can include:
- Infection from the biopsy site
- Excessive vaginal bleeding / discharge
- Lower abdominal pain
- Feeling unwell / raised temperature
If you do experience any of the above please contact your G.P. or contact the Colposcopy department for further advice.
When will my results be available?
In approximately four weeks. We will write to you and your GP with your results. This letter will also inform you of the decision made in regards to your follow up within the Colposcopy Clinic.
The Colposcopy Clinic team would be more than happy to answer any questions / queries you may have. Please contact the numbers below asking to speak to a member of the Colposcopy Clinic team.
- Colposcopy Clinic team at Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Westmorland General Hospital: telephone 01524 512338
- Colposcopy Clinic team at Furness General Hospital: telephone 01229 403616 (Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm)
Out of clinic and surgery hours, we advise you to contact:
- Ward 16 Gynaecology at Royal Lancaster Infirmary: telephone 01524 583820
- Ward 1 Gynaecology at Furness General Hospital: telephone 01229 870870 (internal extension 54107)
Please read your leaflet entitled “The Colposcopy Examination” for further information.
Useful Websites
British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology - www.bsccp.org
Healthtalkonline - www.healthtalkonline.org
The NHS website - www.nhs.uk
Cancer Research UK – www.cruk.org
Cancer Screening NHS - www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk
Date of publication: 01/12/2020
Reference code: PIL057V2
Review date: 01/07/2026