Advances in colposcopy: new technologies to challenge current practice

Abstract

Colposcopy has a poor sensitivity to detect precancerous abnormalities of the cervix. These abnormalities will become less common after HPV vaccinated girls enter the screened population. However HPV-based screening is likely to result in more colposcopic referrals. Both these changes to cervical screening programs will reduce the incidence of high grade CIN and cervical cancer as well as the prevalence of high grade CIN presenting to the colposcopist. As a consequence the diagnostic performance of conventional colposcopy will be further challenged. This review aims to discuss leading technologies which are currently available as an alternative or in addition to colposcopy and may serve to improve the current colposcopic assessment of precancerous cervical abnormalities.

Keywords: Colposcopy; Early detection of cancer.