A biopsy is a brief, targeted procedure of taking a small tissue sample (cervix, endometrium, vulva or vagina) for histopathological analysis. It enables a precise diagnosis and the selection of the best treatment option, particularly in the case of an abnormal Pap test, suspicious lesions or unexplained bleeding.
A biopsy in gynaecology is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is taken from an area that the doctor finds suspicious - most often from the cervix, the uterine lining (endometrium), the vulva or the vagina. The sample is sent for histopathological analysis, where the cells and tissue are assessed in detail under a microscope.
A biopsy can be a colposcopy-guided biopsy of the cervix (after an abnormal Pap test), an endometrial biopsy in cases of unusual bleeding or a thickened uterine lining, and a biopsy of the vulva or vagina in cases of visible changes, sores or thickening.
A biopsy is most often a short, outpatient procedure, without large incisions and without the need for a long stay in the facility. In most cases you can go home the same day.
It gives the most reliable information about the nature of the change – it is the gold standard in distinguishing inflammatory, degenerative, pre-cancerous and malignant conditions.
The histopathology findings are most often available within a few days, after which, at a follow-up examination, you will receive a clear explanation of the findings, the risks and the next steps (monitoring, a procedure, treatment).
A biopsy is recommended when there is a suspicion that a change could be pre-cancerous or malignant, that is, when previous tests (Pap, HPV test, ultrasound, colposcopy) suggest that further clarification is needed.
The procedure itself usually takes 5-10 minutes, and the whole visit (with preparation and a short conversation afterwards) 20-30 minutes, depending on the type of biopsy. With a cervical biopsy a brief “pinch” is possible, and with an endometrial biopsy a stronger cramp at the moment the sample is taken. The discomfort is most often brief and passes quickly.
The aim of a biopsy is to confirm or rule out pre-cancerous and malignant changes, to distinguish mild from more serious lesions in order to avoid unnecessarily aggressive procedures, to allow timely treatment when needed, and to help plan further monitoring, especially in women with an HPV infection or repeated abnormal Pap results.
Your gynaecologist will go through the findings with you in detail and explain what they mean for your everyday functioning, fertility and long-term health.
You arrive at the agreed time. The doctor goes through the findings with you (Pap, HPV, ultrasound), explains the reason for the biopsy, the type of procedure and the expectations, and answers your questions.
You sit/lie on the gynaecological chair, as for a usual examination. If needed, local anaesthesia or a gel is applied to reduce discomfort, especially for a vulval biopsy or more extensive procedures.
With the help of a colposcope or a gynaecological instrument, the doctor takes a small tissue sample from the targeted site. The sensation is most often like a brief „pinch“ or pressure, and the procedure itself takes a few minutes.
After the procedure you receive basic information about the expected discomfort (light bleeding, minimal pain) and written instructions on how to behave over the following days. The sample is sent to an authorised histopathology laboratory.
You will receive detailed instructions when the procedure is arranged, and they are tailored to the type of biopsy and your general state of health. They most often include:
Note: You will receive precise instructions (whether you may eat, whether you need to pause certain therapy, etc.) from our team, so that the procedure is as safe as possible and tailored to your state of health.
Most patients can function normally the same day or the day after a biopsy.
In such situations contact us as soon as possible, and if you are not sure whether it is needed immediately, please call — together we will decide on the next step.
A biopsy is a small but crucial procedure in establishing a reliable diagnosis. At Cito Polyclinic you have:
Gynaecologists with experience in colposcopy, the work-up of abnormal Pap results, infertility and the monitoring of high-risk patients.
We combine a gynaecological examination, ultrasound, Pap, HPV test, colposcopy and biopsy, with a clear interpretation of all the findings.
Samples are sent to a reliable histopathology laboratory, and for more sensitive procedures an anaesthetic team is also available.
An organised process from the first examination to the follow-up of the findings, without unnecessary waiting - with written instructions and the option of additional consultations.
The price depends on the type of biopsy (cervical, endometrial, vulvar…), the need for additional work-up and the services included (colposcopy, anaesthesia, histopathology analysis).
Before the test itself, our team will clearly explain to you everything that is included in the price of the recommended biopsy and whether there is a need for additional tests.
You can get the exact price of the procedure and the first available appointment straight away by calling +385 21 457 800 or by sending a message via the contact form.
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Find answers to common questions about this service
In case of suspected pathological changes of the cervix, endometrium, vulva or ovary. The type depends on the location (targeted cervical, endometrial, vulvar, etc.).
Smaller biopsies are performed in the outpatient setting under local anesthesia; larger ones in the operating room.
Biopsy results are expected within 2-3 weeks.
Bleeding, infection and tenderness are possible; local hygiene and avoidance of exertion until healing are recommended.
