A cone biopsy is a surgical procedure that involves taking a large tissue sample from the cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus and contains the opening from the uterus to the vagina. The tissue sample is called a biopsy.

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

A cone biopsy is used to detect cancer of the cervix or precancerous changes. A cone biopsy is usually done after a woman has abnormal results from a Pap smear that has been done as part of a pelvic examination. A Pap smear is a test in which the provider uses a small spatula and a brush to gently scrape cells from the woman's cervix. These cells are sent to a lab for testing. The Pap smear may show early, abnormal, cancer-like changes in the cervix cells.

How is the procedure performed?

A cone biopsy is generally done under general anesthesia in an operating room. General anesthesia means medications are used to put a person to sleep during a procedure so that no pain is felt. A cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix with a special tool. A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope for abnormal cells that indicate cervical cancer. The procedure often completely removes the diseased tissue.