Diagnostic Tests Available for Cervical Cancer

Just like any other type of cancer, it is essential to diagnose cervical cancer as early as possible. Cervical cancer happens to be a very preventable disease, meaning that it can be treated and cured with a high rate of efficiency if it is identified before it has a chance to metastasize.

Unfortunately, there are still around 4,000 women who succumb to this disease in America every year. This is the case because cervical cancer does not produce any physically noticeable symptoms during its earliest stages– please see our symptoms page for more information. That’s why regular screening for women is so important.

(Improving our ability to diagnose cervical cancer will save many lives, but these advancements don’t come easily. Clinical research facilities around the country are looking for research volunteers to take part in their clinical trials. Please click here if you are interested in learning more.)

What Tests Will Your Doctor Recommend?

Doctors may choose to perform a physical examination, but the following tests are more effective at diagnosing cervical cancer:

• The Pap Smear – A gynecologist takes a sample of cells from the cervix by gently scraping the interior of the vagina. Over the years, the Pap test method has been improved in order to make it easier for doctors to identify potentially cancerous cells. There is more than one type of Pap test available nowadays:
  • Liquid-Based Cytology Test (also known as SurePath or ThinPrep) – A thin layer of cells are transferred onto a slide after any potential contaminants have been removed.
  • Computer Screening Test (also known as the AutoPap or Focal Point) – Doctors scan the sample of potentially harmful cells with a computer.
• HPV DNA Test – Similar to the standard Pap smear, your gynecologist will need to obtain a sample of cells from your cervix for the HPV test. Currently, this test is run primarily in conjunction with the Pap test, but the FDA has recently approved its use as the primary diagnostic test for cervical cancer. This sexually transmitted virus is the primary cause of cervical cancer, but not every strain of HPV will cause this illness.
• Pelvic Examination – During this physical examination, your doctor will examine the uterus, vagina, bladder, fallopian tubes, cervix and rectum to try and identify any suspicious physical alterations. They’ll often perform the HPV or Pap test at the same time.

If one of these previous tests show positive for potentially cancerous or abnormal cells, doctors may also order some of the following tests to confirm a diagnosis:

• Colposcopy – This tests uses a special instrument called a colposcope to check the cervix for abnormal spots. The colposcope works sort of like a microscope in order to magnify the cells of the cervix and vagina. This test is not invasive or painful and can be performed at your local doctor’s office.
• Biopsy – A standard when it comes to confirming cancer. The biopsy involves removing a small section of tissue to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This is the only test that can establish a definite cancer diagnosis. Biopsies can be performed at the doctor’s office using a local anesthetic to numb the area of insertion. There could also be some side effects from the procedure, such as bleeding and pressure that resembles menstrual cramps. Women with a positive test may be referred to a gynecologic oncologist who specializes in cervical cancer.

More Advanced Diagnostic Tests for Cervical Cancer

The following tests might be ordered by a gynecologic oncologist to see if the disease has begun to metastasize:

• Computed tomography (CT or CAT) Scan – This test produces a 3D image of the patient’s insides using an x-ray machine. Several images are taken and combined in the computer to create detailed cross sections that will help identify potential tumors or other abnormalities.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Instead of x-rays, this test uses magnetic fields in order to create detailed images of the patient’s body. This test can also provide a failure accurate representation of tumor size. Doctors will give their patients this special dye known as a contrast medium to help produce a much more clear MRI scan.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan – This is also a great way for oncologists to get a clear picture of their patient’s interior. It does involve injecting a tine level of radioactive sugar into the bloodstream before hand which will be absorbed into the cells. This is the process which grants our cells energy, but cancerous cells can be very aggressive when it comes to siphoning off energy. This will make them much more noticeable on the PET scan results.

There are a few other diagnostic tests which could be used if need be. but these tests tend to provide the most accurate results. Depending on what doctors find, they can recommend certain lifestyle choices, start patients on a new treatment course for their cervical cancer or provide them with the all clear.