Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
by
Mary Calvagna, MS Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, and medical and family history. A pelvic exam will be done. A pelvic exam is a thorough, manual evaluation of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. A Pap test will also be done. This test removes a sample of cervical tissue for examination under a microscope. This may be done whether or not you are having symptoms. Suspicion and Diagnosis of Cervical CancerIf the Pap test shows abnormal cervix cells, other tests will need to be done before cancer can be diagnosed. These may include: ColposcopyA colposcope is specialized tool the doctor can use to closely examine the cervix. A speculum is used to hold the cervix open so the doctor can view the area with the colposcope. A vinegar or iodine solution is swabbed onto the cervix and vagina. This solution makes abnormal tissue turn white so areas that need to be evaluated can be identified. Suspicious tissue from the highlighted area will be taken for biopsy. BiopsyDuring a biopsy, suspicious tissue is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. This is the only way to confirm a diagnosis. Different biopsy methods include:
Staging of Cervical CancerIf cervical cancer is confirmed, results from completed tests and new tests will help determine the stage of cancer. Staging is used to identify characteristics of the tumor that will help determine the prognosis and treatment plan. Factors that play a role in staging include how far the original tumor has spread, whether lymph nodes are involved, if cancer has spread to other tissue, and microscopic cellular details. Tests that may help determine cervical cancer stage: Blood TestsThe cancer or the body's response to cancer can trigger certain changes in the blood. Blood tests may identify some of these markers in the blood. If HPV is present, blood tests can also be used to assess the specific type of human papillomavirus (HPV) that is involved. Imaging TestsImaging tests may be used to look for the presence, size and location of tumors. Some tests use contrast material to highlight structures so images are more clear and detailed. Imaging tests may include:
EndoscopyA lighted scope with a camera is used to look at structures inside the body and take tissue samples. Procedures may include:
Surgical StagingPretreatment surgical staging is an procedure to determine if or how far cancer has spread beyond the cervix. Stages of Cervical CancerCervical cancer is staged from 0-4.
References:
Cervical cancer. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114831/Cervical-cancer
. Updated June 5, 2017. Accessed January 29, 2018.
Cervical cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated March 2017. Accessed January 29, 2018. Stages of cervical cancer. National Cancer Institute
website. Available at:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-treatment-pdq#section/_142. Updated October 13, 2017. Accessed January 29, 2018. Tests for cervical cancer. American Cancer Society
website. Available at:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html. Updated December 5, 2016. Accessed January 29, 2018. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 1/29/2018
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