[Colposcopy in the diagnosis of early cervical cancer]

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early cervical cancer are characterized by colposcopic minor and major changes and vessel abnormalities. In minor changes check-ups in most cases are sufficient. To avoid R1-resection and conization associated premature birth, conization should be performed under colposcopic visualization. In the USA and UK evidence based colposcopic guidelines were issued based on cytologic and colposcopic classifications. The German Society of Colposcopy (AG-CPC) published recommendations for the daily practice for all findings. For screening purposes there is no evidence to recommend colposcopy. In these cases, cytology is at the forefront, whereas colposcopy is only indicated in cases of conspicuous or unclear cytological results.