Cold Knife Cone Biopsy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
A cold knife cone biopsy is a procedure to diagnose or treat a lesion on the cervix that may be cancer. A piece of tissue shaped like a cone is removed from the cervix.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have sudden shortness of breath or pain when you take a breath.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe pain in your lower abdomen.
- You soak through 1 sanitary pad in 1 hour or less.
- You feel weak, dizzy, or faint.
- Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Call your doctor or gynecologist if:
- You have a fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge.
- You have bleeding with clots.
- Your bleeding is heavier than your menstrual period.
- Your pain gets worse or does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Rest for 48 hours or as directed. Do not exercise, play sports, or lift anything heavier than 10 pounds. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your usual activities.
- Ask when it is okay to bathe after your procedure. Do not take a bath, swim, or soak in a hot tub until your provider says it is okay. These may increase your risk for an infection.
- Prevent a vaginal infection. Do not put anything in your vagina for 2 weeks. Do not douche, use medicines in your vagina, or have sex. These activities may cause bleeding that can lead to more stitches or a hysterectomy. Use sanitary pads instead of tampons for bleeding. Wash your hands before you clean your vagina. Do not get soap inside your vagina. Clean the area around your vaginal opening as directed.
Prevent cervical cancer:
If the biopsy shows you do not have cervical cancer, the following can help you prevent it:
- Practice safe sex. Safe sex can help decrease your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human papillomavirus (HPV). Limit your number of sex partners. Use condoms and barrier methods for all types of sexual contact. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Use a new condom or latex barrier each time you have sex. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Make sure that the condom fits and is put on correctly.
- Ask about the HPV vaccine. The vaccine can help protect against HPV infection. It is most effective if given before sexual activity begins. This allows the body to build almost complete protection against HPV before contact with the virus. The vaccine is usually given at 11 or 12 years of age but may be given as early as 9 years. The vaccine can be given through age 26.
- Get Pap smears as directed. The Pap smear can help diagnose cervical cancer in an early stage. Cancer that is in an early stage may be easier to treat. Pap smears usually start at age 21 and continue until age 65. A Pap smear alone may be done every 3 years. An HPV test alone or with a Pap smear may be done every 5 years, starting at age 30. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need to have Pap smears more often or after age 65.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can increase your risk for cervical cancer. Ask your healthcare provider for more information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
Follow up with your doctor or gynecologist as directed:
You may need to go in to get your biopsy results. Your doctor or gynecologist can help you make decisions about treatment if the results show you have cervical cancer. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For support and more information:
- American Cancer Society
250 Williams Street
Atlanta , GA 30303
Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345
Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
- National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 300
Bethesda , MD 20892-8322
Phone: 1- 800 - 422-6237
Web Address: http://www.cancer.gov
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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