A colposcopy is a way to get a close-up view of the cervix. It is used to detect changes in cervical and vaginal tissues such as abnormal blood vessels, color, patterns and tissue structure . A colposcope, is an instrument with a range of magnifying lens; colour filter and a light are used. The colposcope magnifies the image many times, allowing the gynaecologist to see the tissues on the cervix and vaginal walls more clearly while color filters allow the detection of tiny abnormal blood vessels on the cervix.

A Pap smear, short term for Papanicolau smear is a screening test used to detect abnormal changes in the woman's cervix before the cancer sets in.