Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer Medical Tests & Diagnosis Methods
Anamnesis (detailed medical review of past health state):
One of the first steps in establishing a cervical cancer diagnosis is
a detailed and complex medical review of a patient's past health problems
and general health state, family medical history, cervical cancer risk
factors, and symptoms.
Physical examination
During the physical examination, the doctor checks the cervix for any
possible abnormal growth or tumor. If necessary, a sample of cells are
removed for laboratory analysis.
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is an investigation test that allows the doctor to
examine the interior lining of the bladder and urethra for signs
of cervical cancers. It is mostly used in women with large tumors.
This procedure uses a thin, lighted instrument which has a transparent
optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and
to form images on a special screen. In some cases, during a cystoscopy,
the doctor can remove a tissue sample for a microscopic examination.
Cystoscopy is performed under local or general anesthesia.
Proctoscopy
The purpose of this investigation test is to examine the anal
cavity and rectum in patients with an invasive type of cervical
cancer. It uses an instrument called a proctoscope, a short (10
inch or 25 cm long), straight, rigid, hollow metal tube, which
has attached a small optical device that converge or diverge transmitted
light into an image. The proctoscopy can establish whether or
not the cancer has spread beyond the cervix, and the exact location
or size of the new tumors.
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Imaging tests
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Chest x-ray: An x-ray test uses high energy electromagnetic
radiation to penetrate the body and creates an image on a film.
The chest x-ray is performed only in women with advanced stages of
cervical cancer in order to establish whether or not the cancer has
spread to lungs.
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Computed tomography (CT): This imaging test is
similar with an x-ray test, and creates a detailed cross-sectional
image of the body. This test can identify abnormal mass tissues.
A CT scan is usually performed in two steps for a better diagnosis:
1). First, the targeted area is scanned without a contrast agent.
2). Second, the targeted area is scanned after a contrast agent was
administrated.
This imaging test offers essential information regarding the tumor
size, shape, and exact location, and also can outline if the cancer
has spread to other organs or lymph nodes within the abdominal cavity.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI is an
advanced technique that uses radio waves and strong magnets to reveal
a complete image of a targeted area of the body. The energy from the
radio waves is absorbed by the tissues and then released into a pattern
that allows the cancer to be detected and diagnosed. This imaging
test is particularly used to examine pelvic tumors, but it is also
effective in outlining the tumor within the brain or spinal cord.
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Positron emission tomography (PET): This technique
uses radioactive glucose to help locate cancerous tumors. The glucose
used in this diagnosis method contains a radioactive atom that is
highly absorbed by the cancerous cells. The radioactivity is then
detected by a special camera. A PET scan is efficient in determining
whether or not the cancer has spread beyond the lung as well as the
exact location where it has spread. This imaging test is used in patients
with advanced stages of cervical cancer and provides useful information
regarding the tumor size and location, and the cancer extent.
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Intravenous urography (intravenous pyelogram or IVP):
This imaging test is an x-ray of the urinary tract. The patient,
prior to the x-ray, receives a dye agent which is removed from the
bloodstream by the kidneys and is passed into the ureters and bladder.
Intravenous urography is performed only in those patients that suffer
from an advanced stage of cervical cancer, because it targets the
pelvic lymph nodes. If the cervical cancer has spread to these lymph
nodes, the tumor can compress or block an ureter.
Biopsy
Biopsy is a medical procedure where a tissue sample is removed from the
tumor or abnormal looking surface of an organ. Usually, a doctor recommends
a biopsy if the PAP test show abnormalities at the cellular level. The
biopsy is removed by a gynecologist, who uses a colposcope to illuminate
and magnify the surface of the cervix. The colposcope allows the doctor
to better visualize the abnormal area and to remove a small section of
the cervix surface. Sometimes, the gynecologist uses the Schiller Test,
where the cervix surface is coated with an iodine substance. This substance
makes the normal tissue turn brown, while the cancerous tissues turn yellow
or white.
If the diagnosis is not clear, the doctor can recommend a core biopsy.
This type of biopsy removes a larger, cone-shaped sample of tissue. This
type of biopsy can be removed through a procedure called loop excision.
This procedure uses a thin wire loop passed by a low intensity electric
current to remove the sample. In some cases, core biopsy is a treatment
approach because it can effectively remove the precancerous cells and
early cancers.
Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
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