Glossary
Cervix: The opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina.Colposcopy: An examination done to closely examine the vulva, vagina and the cervix using a colposcope to look for abnormalities. It is recommended when Pap smear results are abnormal.
Dysplasia: Abnormal looking cells with changes including enlargement of cells with enlarged darkly staining nucleus and other changes associated with cancer.
Electrocautery: A procedure in which an instrument works with electric current to destroy tissue.
Local Anesthesia: The use of drugs for pain relief in a specific part of the body.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diseases that are spread by sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus infection, herpes, syphilis, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Speculum: An instrument used to hold apart the walls of the vagina for visualization of the cervix.
