A colposcopy is a procedure that allows a physician to examine a woman’s cervix and vagina using a special microscope called a colposcope. A colposcopy might be used to further assess problems such as genital warts on the cervix, cervicitis (inflamed cervix), or benign growth such as polyps, pain, bleeding. During a colposcopy, our specialists may see abnormal areas. A biopsy of these areas may be done. During a biopsy, a small piece of abnormal tissue is removed from the cervix. Cells also may be taken from the canal of the cervix. Dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are terms that describe the actual precancerous changes that occur in the cervix. These changes are due to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Dysplasia and CIN are graded as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild dysplasia (CIN 1) usually goes away on its own. Moderate (CIN 2) and severe (CIN 3) dysplasia indicate more serious changes.