What Is a Cervical Biopsy?
The cervical biopsy is a surgical procedure, where a small amount of tissue is removed from the cervix. This test is completed to collect a tissue sample and test for cancerous or precancerous cells. The cervix is the canal between the uterus and the vagina. A biopsy is the actual process of removing sample tissue from the patient. There are three types of cervical biopsy procedures: punch, cone, and endocervical curettage (ECC). All three must be performed by a certified medical doctor but can be completed either in the doctor’s office or in a hospital outpatient clinic. A local anesthetic may be used, if required.