colposcopy /kolpos″kəpē/ [Gk, kolpos + skopein, to watch] , a detailed examination of the vulva, vagina, and/or cervix with an optical magnifying instrument (colposcope). Its use facilitates directed biopsy of tissues suspicious for dysplasia or carcinoma rather than random biopsy sampling. Performed upon visualization of a lesion, because of an abnormal Pap smear or positive HPV test, or sometimes postcoital bleeding.
