Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Diagnosis of cervical cancer is based on symptoms observed.
A Pap smear test is the usual screening test done to detect the presence of cancer cells in the cervix.1
If cervical cancer is suspected, the physician may suggest few diagnostic tests to confirm like:
Colposcopy and cervical biopsy—This is done for the detection of cancer causing cells on the surface of the cervix.
Endocervical biopsy—For the detection of abnormal cells on the cervical canal.
Cone biopsy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure—A sample of cervical tissue is removed for microbiological examination.
Colposcopy and cervical biopsy are also recommended for pregnant women to confirm cervical cancer.
Following are some of the tests to know the stage of cervical cancer.2
- Cone biopsy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure is useful in determining the spread of cancer in the cervical tissue.
- Cystoscopy, to know the spread of cancer to the urinary system.
- Proctoscopy, to know the metastasis of the disease to the colon.
- Intravenous pyelogram, to check the blockage of the kidneys.
- Chest X-ray, to detect the spread of the disease.
After confirming the disease and knowing the stage of the disease condition, the following tests help in suggesting the treatment required.
- Complete blood count to check for anemia.
- Chemistry screen done to measure certain electrolytes, urea, albumin etc., which are essential for the functioning of the kidneys.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis taken to check the metastasis of the disease to the liver, lymph nodes and other organs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen and pelvis suggested depending on the spread of the disease.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) may be required to know to which organs the cancer has spread.
Next page: Treatment of cervical cancer
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 22, 2011