They include the following: Colposcopy: Examination of the vagina and cervix with a magnifying lens (eg, to identify areas that require biopsy) Endocervical curettage: Insertion of a curet to obtain tissue from deep inside the cervical canal (eg, used with colposcopy-directed biopsy to diagnose cervical cancer) Dilation and curettage (D & C): Spreading of the vaginal walls with a speculum, dilation of the cervix, and insertion of a curet to remove tissue from the endometrium or the uterine contents by scraping or scooping (eg, to treat incomplete abortions).