Diagnosing Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. To diagnose cervical cancer, doctors may use a combination of examinations, screening tests, and procedures. These help confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and stage of the cancer. Specialists involved in diagnosing cervical cancer may include gynecologists, oncologists, and pathologists.
Here are the examinations, screening tests, and procedures commonly used to diagnose cervical cancer:
- Medical Appointment: The precancerous and early stages of cervical cancer often don’t cause symptoms. Cervical cancer may be detected during routine preventive screening tests conduct during annual check-ups (“annual physical”). At the appointment, the healthcare provider will discuss your health history and conduct a physical exam.
- Pap Test: A Pap test is a screening test that looks for the presence of abnormal cells on the cervix. It is usually done during a regular gynecological exam. A healthcare professional inserts a speculum into the vagina and takes a sample of cells with a swab. If the results are abnormal, further testing may be recommended.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test: An HPV test is often done along with a Pap test. It looks for strains of HPV that are linked to cervical cancer. Detecting HPV before it causes precancerous changes to cervical cells can help with early intervention.
- Pelvic Exam and Colposcopy: A pelvic exam is performed to examine the vagina, vulva, and cervix using a lighted magnifying tool called a colposcope. This allows doctors to get a closer look at any abnormalities of the vagina, vulva, and cervix for any signs of abnormality. If an abnormal area is identified, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for further analysis
- Cervical Biopsy: A cervical biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the cervix during a colposcopy or as a separate procedure. This tissue sample is sent to a lab for analysis to determine if there are cancerous cells present.
If cancer cells are found from the cervical biopsy, additional examinations, tests, and procedures are performed to determine the stage.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests are done to provide detailed views of the inside of the body. Imaging tests help determine the location, size, and depth of the cervical cancer and spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Imaging tests include:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Ultrasound
- X-rays
- Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to check for signs that cervical cancer has spread to the bladder, kidneys, or liver.
- Examinations of near-by organs may be performed to check for spread of cervical cancer:
- Cystoscopy: This procedure involves looking inside the bladder
- Sigmoidoscopy: This procedure involves looking inside the rectum and lower part of the colon. Alternatively, a proctoscopy may be performed to look inside just the rectum.
Additional Tests: Depending on the results of previous tests, additional examinations or procedures may be recommended to determine the extent of cancer spread or stage. These may include pelvic exams, rectal exams, cystoscopy (examining the bladder and urethra), or colonoscopy (examining the colon).
Diagnosis of cervical cancer involves a team of healthcare professionals, including primary care providers and specialists such as gynecologists, pathologists, radiologists, and oncologists. They work together to provide an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs.
Remember, if you have any concerns or symptoms related to cervical cancer or any other health condition, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider who can guide you through appropriate testing and treatment options based on your specific situation.