How reliable is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a subjective examination. It goes without saying that it must be performed by a well-trained doctor. The accuracy of the diagnosis depends on many parameters. The doctor takes into consideration the findings of the other tests, as well as the patient’s history. In cases where there is a risk of missing cancer (for example when the Pap test shows precancerous lesions − HSIL and extensive lesions are visible during the colposcopy), it is necessary not to rely only on what one sees in the colposcopy and isolated biopsies, but also to remove part of the cervix.