The normal cervix - normal structure, the transformation zone, the congenital transformation zone; cervical intraepithelial neoplasia - histology and cytology, nomenclature, histological and cytological features of CIN, differential diagnosis; aetiology and natural history of cervical cancer; introduction to colposcopy; the colposcopy appearances of the normal cervix; the colposcopic appearances of CIN; invasive squamous disease; glandular lesions; inflammatory and infective conditions of the cervix - human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus, trichomoniasis, candidasis, other infective conditions, "the inflammatory smear"; management of premalignant and malignant disease of the cervix - indications for cone biopsy and hysterectomy, local destructive techniques, excisional methods; follow up after treatment - timing of visits, place of colposcopy, problems encountered, subsequent disease; the vagina and VAIN - histogenic considerations and definitions, colposcopic appearance, histological and cytological illustrations, treatment; the vulva and VIN - classification of vulval diseases, histology, cytology, colposcopic appearances, treatment; oral contraceptive changes - histology, cytology, colposcopy; pregnancy - physiological changes, the abnormal cervix in pregnancy; diethylstilbestrol exposure; taking cervical smears; handling biopsy specimens - punch biopsies, knife and wedge biopsies, cone biopsies, hysterectomy specimens; indications for referral; cervicography; planning and running a colposcopy clinic - staffing, accommodation, intradepartmental training; guidelines for training.
