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Colposcopy is an important tool in the early diagnostics of the cervical carcinoma. The combination of cytology and colposcopy remains the most accurate in identifying high-grade intracervical dysplasia and can't be substituted by HPV typing. Colposcopy clarifies the nature of the cytological diagnosis, determines the size, location and distribution of the dysplasia and guides therapy and follow-up. HPV typing determines the oncogenic potential of the HPV but can't distinguish whether it is a self-limiting disease or causing a high-grade dysplasia with transition into a carcinoma. Any pathologic colposcopy should be further evaluated with a biopsy or intracervical curettage, depending on whether it is situated on the ecto- or in the endocervix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]