How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
When you notice a change that is not normal or have any of the above symptoms it is advisable to see a doctor. The doctor will ask you more questions about the symptoms, your general health and other medical conditions that you may have. The doctor will also examine you.
Physical examination
The doctor will ask for permission to examine you. Examination for cervical cancer is normally done while you are lying down on your back with your knees up and legs apart.
A speculum is used to gently open your vagina to enable your doctor look at your cervix and vagina to see if there is any abnormality. A swab (sample) may be taken to check for infections, such as chlamydia. Your doctor will also do a pelvic examination (internal) to evaluate you reproductive organs as well as examine your rectum and abdomen.
Other tests that may be done
- Pap smear-A procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer .Usually it is a test used for screening.
- Colposcopy and cervical biopsy-a procedure where a special magnifying device is used to examine the cervix and then a tissue is taken from the cervix for examination.
- Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan takes images of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles. A computer combines these pictures into a detailed, 3-dimensional image that shows any abnormalities or tumors.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) or PET-CT scan.
The PET-CT Scan uses a radioactive substance that is injected into the patient’s body and is taken up by cancer cells thereby helping to acquire images that give information about the cancer.
