(kŏl-pŏs'kō-pē )

The examination of vaginal and cervical tissues by means of a colposcope. Colposcopy is used to select sites of abnormal epithelium for biopsy in patients with abnormal Pap smears. It is helpful in defining tumor extension, for evaluating benign lesions, and in postpubertal vaginal examination of diethylstilbestrol-exposed daughters.