Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer, Cervical Cancer Tips

Cervical Cancer

Diagnosis & Staging

It’s important for your doctor to perform several tests to rule out other health conditions before providing a diagnosis of cervical cancer. Following is a list of some of the tests that may you may receive:
Pelvic Exam and Pap test The pelvic exam and Pap test allow the doctor to detect abnormal changes in the cervix. If these exams show that an infection is present, the doctor treats the infection and then repeats the Pap test at a later time.
If the exam or Pap test suggests something other than an infection, the doctor may repeat the Pap test and do other tests to find out if cervical cancer is present.
Colposcopy A colposcopy is a widely used method to check the cervix for abnormal areas. The doctor applies a vinegar-like solution to the cervix and then uses an instrument much like a microscope (called a colposcope) to look closely at the cervix.
The doctor may then coat the cervix with an iodine solution (a procedure called the Schiller test). Healthy cells turn brown; abnormal cells cervical cancer turn white or yellow. These procedures may be done in the doctor's office.
Cervical Biopsy The doctor may remove a small amount of cervical tissue for examination by a pathologist. This procedure is called a biopsy. In one type of biopsy, the doctor uses an instrument to pinch off small pieces of cervical tissue.
Another method used to do a biopsy is called loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). In this procedure, the doctor uses an electric wire loop to slice off a thin, round piece of tissue. These types of biopsies may be done in the doctor's office using local anesthesia