Concierge colposcopy · London
Cervical biopsy, colposcopy-directed punch biopsy and LLETZ for cervical dysplasia and cancer diagnosis.
A cervical biopsy is performed at colposcopy — either a small punch biopsy of a suspicious area, or a large-loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) that is both diagnostic and treatment. Modern indication: HPV-positive smear, abnormal colposcopy or suspected cervical cancer.
- Biopsy of the cervix during colposcopy
- Options: punch biopsy, LLETZ, cone biopsy
- Usually under local anaesthetic
- Same-day walk-in / walk-out
- Histology in 7–10 days
- Guides treatment for CIN and early cervical cancer
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We route you to a consultant colposcopist — accredited by the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology — who examines, biopsies and interprets the histology plan.
- 02
Same-visit answers
Colposcopy findings are discussed at the couch, with a formal histology report typically within 7–10 days.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private cervical biopsy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
Colposcopy with punch biopsy in our network: £450–£800, LLETZ from £1,200.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colposcopy consultation only | £300–£500 | 30 min | Same-visit |
| Colposcopy + punch biopsy | £450–£800 | 30 min | 7–10 days |
| LLETZ (large-loop excision) under local | £1,200–£2,200 | 45 min | 7–14 days |
| Cone biopsy under general anaesthetic | £3,000–£5,500 | Half-day | 10–14 days |
| Test-of-cure colposcopy at 6 months | £350–£600 | 30 min | Same-visit |
| Urgent 2-week colposcopy slot | £600–£1,000 | 45 min | 7–10 days |
Prices vary by clinic, whether LLETZ is required and whether sedation or general anaesthetic is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A cervical biopsy is only as good as who takes it — and who reports it.
Colposcopy is a skill, and margins matter. We route you to a BSCCP-accredited colposcopist and specialist gynaecological pathologist, not a generalist.
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HPV-positive smear?
We arrange colposcopy with a BSCCP-accredited consultant, usually within a week.
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High-grade dyskaryosis?
See-and-treat colposcopy with LLETZ under local — often one visit.
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Post-LLETZ follow-up?
Test-of-cure colposcopy with HPV at 6 months, results routed to your GP.
The journey
From referral to histology — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to report — often within days.
Phase 1 · Before your colposcopy
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30–45 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Histology and follow-up
- 01
Before
HPV or abnormal-smear referral
You tell us the smear result — HPV-positive, borderline, low-grade or high-grade dyskaryosis — and your history.
- 02
Before
Consultation with a colposcopist
A short pre-clinic call to explain colposcopy, punch biopsy vs LLETZ, and the plan for local anaesthetic.
- 03
Before
Speculum and acetic-acid staining
On the day: gentle speculum examination and application of dilute acetic acid to highlight abnormal areas.
- 04
On the day
Punch biopsy or LLETZ under local
A small punch sample of a suspicious area, or a large-loop excision of the transformation zone — both under local anaesthetic.
- 05
On the day
Cotton-wool pressure for haemostasis
Brief pressure or Monsel’s paste controls any bleeding. You rest, dress and go home the same visit.
- 06
After
Sample sent to histopathology
The specimen is fixed and processed by a specialist gynaecological pathologist.
- 07
After
Written report and colposcopy follow-up
Result in 7–10 days, with a follow-up plan — test of cure, further treatment or MDT referral if invasive disease is found.
Typical end-to-end: 7–14 days. Urgent 2-week cases: within a week.
What it shows
What a cervical biopsy can diagnose.
Cervical biopsy answers a specific question — is there dysplasia, what grade, and does it need treatment. These are the diagnoses we see most.
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CIN 1 (low-grade lesion)
Low-grade dyskaryosis — usually observed with repeat colposcopy, as most regress spontaneously.
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CIN 2 / 3 (high-grade lesion)
High-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia — treated with LLETZ to prevent progression.
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Cervical carcinoma in situ (CIS)
Full-thickness dysplasia confined to the epithelium — excised to clear margins.
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Invasive cervical cancer
Squamous or adenocarcinoma invading the stroma — triggers MDT and staging.
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Glandular abnormality (AIS)
Adenocarcinoma in situ of the endocervical glands — usually needs cone biopsy.
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HPV cytological effect
Koilocytosis and other HPV-related changes without high-grade dysplasia.
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Concurrent HSV / candida
Incidental infective findings that may need separate treatment.
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Red flag: invasive cancer on biopsy — MDT and staging pathway (MRI, PET-CT)
Any invasive finding is escalated to a gynaecological-oncology MDT for staging and treatment planning.
Treatment options and next steps
Not all cervical biopsies are the same.
What each option — diagnostic and therapeutic — is actually for.
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Colposcopy + punch biopsy
Magnified examination of the cervix with acetic acid, plus a small punch sample of any abnormal area. Diagnostic only.
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LLETZ
Large-loop excision of the transformation zone under local anaesthetic — both diagnostic and therapeutic for high-grade CIN.
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Cone biopsy
Larger, cone-shaped excision under general anaesthetic — used for glandular disease or when LLETZ margins are inadequate.
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See-and-treat colposcopy
Colposcopy with immediate LLETZ in the same visit — used for known high-grade cytology and clear colposcopic disease.
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Test-of-cure colposcopy
Repeat colposcopy and HPV test at 6 months post-treatment to confirm clearance.
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Radical trachelectomy
Fertility-sparing surgical removal of the cervix for early-stage cancer — performed in specialist oncology centres.
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Radical hysterectomy
Definitive surgery for early invasive cervical cancer.
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Chemoradiotherapy
For locally advanced disease — combined external beam, brachytherapy and concurrent cisplatin.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
BSCCP-accredited colposcopists across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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BSCCP-accredited consultant colposcopists
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Specialist gynaecological pathology reporting
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Written histology report within 7–10 days
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Onward gynaecological-oncology MDT pathway if invasive disease is found
Safety and eligibility
A safe, day-case procedure — but a few red flags to watch.
Cervical biopsy and LLETZ are very safe under local anaesthetic — the practical points are recovery, red flags, and long-term surveillance.
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Local anaesthetic, no fasting
Punch biopsy and LLETZ are performed under local anaesthetic — no fasting, no sedation, walk in and out.
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Mild cramping is normal
Period-like cramping is common for a few hours after LLETZ and settles with paracetamol.
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Light bleeding for 2–4 weeks
Watery brown discharge or light bleeding is expected while the cervix heals.
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Avoid tampons and intercourse
No tampons, swimming or intercourse for four weeks after LLETZ, to reduce infection and bleeding risk.
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Pregnancy planning
Avoid trying to conceive for three months after LLETZ; discuss timing and future obstetric plans in advance.
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Preterm-birth counselling
Deep or repeated LLETZ can slightly raise preterm-birth risk in future pregnancies — we discuss this before consent.
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Bleeding red flag
Heavy, bright-red bleeding soaking pads, fever or offensive discharge — contact the clinic or attend A&E.
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A benign biopsy is not the end
HPV surveillance continues per NHS Cervical Screening Programme, even after a normal biopsy.
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Bring prior cytology and colposcopy notes
Previous smears and colposcopy images materially sharpen interpretation and the follow-up plan.
Red flags — escalate
- Invasive cervical cancer
- Glandular / adenocarcinoma in situ
- Persistent post-LLETZ high-grade disease
- Post-LLETZ preterm-birth risk
- Recurrent HPV in immunocompromised
- Cervical stenosis post-LLETZ
- Bleeding post-biopsy
- Suspected disseminated disease
- Concurrent HIV + high-grade CIN
Reading your report
A cervical histology report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Clinical indication and cytology
Your details, the referring smear and HPV result, and the reason for colposcopy.
- 02 Technique
Colposcopy findings and biopsy method
Acetic-acid appearances, transformation zone type, and whether punch biopsy or LLETZ was performed.
- 03 Findings
Histology: CIN grade, margins, HPV effect
Grade of dysplasia (CIN 1/2/3, CIS or invasive), margin status and any glandular or infective changes.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Diagnosis, whether treatment is complete, and the concrete next step — test of cure, further LLETZ or MDT referral.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about cervical biopsy.
Quick answers on pain, cost, referrals, turnaround and what happens if invasive disease is found.
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What does a cervical biopsy show?
It confirms whether abnormal cells on your smear are truly present, grades them (CIN 1, 2 or 3, carcinoma in situ or invasive cancer), and characterises glandular abnormalities. The result decides whether you need watchful surveillance, LLETZ or oncology referral.
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Is a cervical biopsy painful?
A punch biopsy feels like a brief pinch. LLETZ is performed under local anaesthetic — you feel pressure and mild cramping, not sharp pain. Most patients drive themselves home.
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How much does a private colposcopy and biopsy cost in London?
A colposcopy with punch biopsy is typically £450–£800; LLETZ ranges £1,200–£2,200 depending on clinic and whether you need sedation. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
Most clinics accept self-referral if you have an abnormal NHS smear result. We can arrange a fast-track private GP referral if your insurer requires one.
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How quickly will I get results?
Colposcopy findings are discussed immediately. Histology from a punch biopsy or LLETZ is usually reported within 7–10 days.
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What happens if the biopsy shows invasive cancer?
Any invasive finding is escalated to a gynaecological-oncology MDT for staging (MRI pelvis, sometimes PET-CT) and a treatment plan — surgery, chemoradiotherapy or fertility-sparing options depending on stage.
Sources
Where this guide comes from.
- NHS Cervical Screening Programme. Colposcopy and programme management (NHSCSP Publication 20).
- NICE. Cervical cancer overview and guidance.
- British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP). Standards and training.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Patient information on colposcopy.
Last reviewed 2026-07-30. Next review 2027-07-30. Estimated reading time 6 minutes.
Related tests
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Cervical smear
HPV and cytology sampling — the screening test that leads to colposcopy.
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Colposcopy
Magnified examination of the cervix — often paired with biopsy.
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HPV / abnormal smear
What an HPV-positive or abnormal smear result means and what to do next.
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Endometriosis
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Colposcopy With Lletz
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In practice, in London
What cervical biopsy looks like on the ground in London
With cervical biopsy, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. On the NHS, cervical biopsy typically sits behind a triage step and a wait that can stretch from a few weeks into months. In London’s private sector, the same appointment often lands within days. That speed matters when symptoms are disrupting work, sleep, or a plan you’d already committed to — and it’s the single most common reason people call us in the first place.
In practice, a private cervical biopsy appointment in London means a named consultant, a proper hour in the room (or the equivalent on a video call), and a report you can actually read. Most of the imaging suites and endoscopy units we use sit within a mile of Harley Street or in Chelsea and Fulham, and turnaround on findings is measured in days, not weeks. For cervical biopsy specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
The value of going through a concierge for cervical biopsy isn’t access — anyone with an insurer or a credit card can get a private appointment in London. The value is knowing which consultant reads this particular presentation best, which unit turns reports around fastest, and which pathway won’t hit a dead end if the findings point somewhere unexpected.