colposcopy

2 7.3

A medical check of the cervix, vagina, and vulva using a special magnifying instrument

noun
/ˌkɒl.pəˈskɒp.i/

Specialized

: colposcopia

Fourteen studies offered same-visit colposcopy and biopsies to women who needed them.
colposcopy and biopsy
referral for colposcopy
conducted a colposcopy

Examples

During her annual check-up, the doctor recommended a colposcopy to examine her cervical health.
A sample that shows dyskaryosis may prompt referral for colposcopy and possible biopsy.

Academic text (2011)
Women are referred for colposcopy following an abnormal cervical cytology result.

Academic text (2011)
A sample that shows dyskaryosis and is HPV positive will prompt referral to colposcopy and possible biopsy.

Academic text (2015)
If you have abnormal test results, your doctor may suggest a colposcopy to check for potential issues.
A colposcopy is often performed if there are concerns about abnormalities in the cervix or vagina.

Surface Forms

colposcopy singular

colposcopies plural

Morphology

colposcopy = colposcope (opaque) = colpo + scopy

Both 'colpo-' and '-scopy' are technical Greek combining forms unfamiliar to average learners, so the relation between the instrument name and the procedure is not derivable by most learners.

Etymology

Colposcopy comes from the Greek parts colpo- ('vagina') and -scopy ('to look'), like in microscope or telescope. So, a colposcopy is a close 'look' at the cervix, vagina, and vulva with a special instrument to check for disease or problems.