Can a biopsy still be taken if the cervix has atrophied?
The examination says cervical atrophy. But the doctor still recommends a biopsy, and I feel a bit scared. If the cervix has already atrophied, is it still possible to perform a biopsy? Is it going to be very dangerous?
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, a biopsy can still be taken even if the cervix has atrophied.
Cervical atrophy can be classified as either physiological or pathological. Physiological cervical atrophy is commonly seen in menopausal women due to decreased estrogen levels in the body, leading to gradual atrophy of the uterus and cervix; this is considered a normal physiological process. Pathological cervical atrophy, however, may be caused by various factors such as chronic malnutrition or malignant tumors. Regardless of whether the cervical atrophy is physiological or pathological, when a biopsy is needed to determine the nature of the lesion, doctors will select an appropriate biopsy method based on the patient's specific condition.
Additionally, patients with more severe cervical atrophy may face an increased risk of bleeding or discomfort during the biopsy procedure. In such cases, doctors will implement appropriate preventive measures—for instance, administering local anesthesia or prescribing hemostatic medications before and after the biopsy to ensure the safety of the procedure and enhance patient comfort.
Patients are advised to abstain from sexual intercourse for at least 3 days prior to the biopsy to avoid local congestion of the vagina and cervix, which could increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
