Vaginal biopsy

Vaginal biopsy — is a histological examination of a tissue sample from the vaginal wall to establish an accurate diagnosis when suspicious areas, neoplasms or ulcers are detected. The analysis allows you to study the cellular structure of the mucous membrane and determine the nature of the changes — from inflammatory and benign to precancerous and malignant.

Research objective: The study is performed to morphologically confirm the diagnosis if altered areas were detected during examination or colposcopy. Histological analysis is the only way to reliably determine the nature of the formation and the degree of risk to the patient's health.

What does the pathologist evaluate:

• Epithelial integrity: assessment of the structure of stratified squamous epithelium.

• Presence of dysplasia (VaIN): determining the degree of atypical changes in cells (vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia).

• Signs of infections: detection of specific changes characteristic of the human papillomavirus (HPV) or chronic inflammatory processes.

• Malignant transformations: ruling out vaginal squamous cell carcinoma or other rare types of tumors.

Clinical significance: The result of a vaginal biopsy is crucial for choosing a treatment method: conservative (drug), destructive (laser or radio wave therapy) or surgical. Accurate diagnosis at early stages allows you to prevent the development of oncological diseases.

When is it prescribed:

• detection of suspicious areas during colposcopy (iodine-negative zones, atypical vessels);

• the presence of neoplasms (papillomas, condylomas, nodes);

• long-term ulcers or erosions of the vaginal walls that do not heal;

• suspected recurrence of the disease after previously performed treatment.