What Is a Cervical Biopsy?

Cervical biopsy is one component of routine gynecological examinations. Many women are unfamiliar with this procedure—what exactly is a cervical biopsy?

What Is a Cervical Biopsy?

A cervical biopsy refers to the removal of a small sample of living cervical tissue for pathological examination. Currently, this is typically performed under colposcopic magnification, during which tissue samples are taken from suspicious cervical lesions or at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o’clock positions of the cervix. These specimens are then sent for histopathological analysis to confirm or rule out cervical pathology. After the biopsy, a gauze pack (often referred to as a “glomerular” pack) is placed in the vagina to apply pressure and control bleeding; it must be removed within 24 hours to prevent vaginal infection. If vaginal bleeding exceeds normal menstrual flow, immediate medical attention is required. Patients should rest for one week post-procedure, avoid physical exertion and overexertion, and abstain from sexual intercourse and tub bathing for one month. Maintaining good perineal hygiene is essential. Additionally, patients should return to the hospital within 1–2 weeks to obtain their pathology report and discuss subsequent treatment plans.

Cervical conditions—including chronic cervicitis, cervical epithelial dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and invasive cervical cancer—are all definitively diagnosed via biopsy. With timely intervention, prognosis is generally favorable for both carcinoma in situ and early invasive carcinoma. Specifically, carcinoma in situ—before metastasis occurs—responds exceptionally well to surgical treatment, with a five-year survival rate approaching 100%. For early invasive carcinoma without pelvic lymph node involvement, the five-year survival rate remains above 95%. In contrast, invasive carcinoma accompanied by pelvic lymph node metastasis typically carries a poorer prognosis.

For married women, regular cervical biopsies constitute an effective strategy for early detection of cervical cancer, enabling timely identification of inflammatory changes or precancerous/cancerous lesions. We hope this information has been helpful!