HealthAugust 16, 2026

colposcopy

kol-POS-kuh-pee

Definition

A medical diagnostic procedure where a special lighted magnifying instrument is used to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'kolpos' (womb or vagina) and 'skopein' (to look at or examine), the term entered modern medical terminology to describe this specific visual examination technique.

In the news

In this article, colposcopy is mentioned as an advanced care procedure that is being expanded beyond specialists to trained nurses and midwives to increase accessibility for cervical cancer screening in Rwanda.

Emmanuel Manirakiza: Rwanda Builds Stronger Cervical Cancer Care With 6,000+ Trained Health Workers

Read the full article ↗

Oncodaily

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