Atlas of Colposcopy: Principles and Practice

The primary objective of colposcopy is to detect, qualify, and localize neoplastic conditions of the cervix. Many benign conditions of the cervix and vagina are also detected by colposcopy. Some of the benign conditions mimic neoplastic lesions, and it is important that a colposcopist learns to identify them correctly. This will prevent unnecessary biopsies or overtreatment. Certain conditions, such as an erosion or leukoplakia, are essentially benign but are sometimes associated with high-grade premalignant or malignant lesions. When encountering these conditions, the colposcopist must be extra cautious so as not to miss more serious disease.

In the 2011 IFCPC nomenclature, all the benign changes are grouped in the category of miscellaneous findings.