Testing for Uterine Cancer & Diagnosis

Anamnesis (a personal medical history) - The first step in establishing a diagnosis is a detailed and complex medical review of past health problems, general health state, symptoms displayed and medical family history in order to identify any risk factors that can facilitate the development of cancer.

Physical examination - The next step is a pelvic examination of following organs: the vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum. This physical examination allows the doctor to identify the modifications of pelvic organs suffered or the occurrence of any lump or abnormal mass tissue.

Blood tests - The blood test is a procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and essential components of blood are being checked to include: the number of red blood cells, the number of white cells, the amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells, the portion of the sample made up of red blood cells, sedimentation rate (a procedure in which the blood sample is checked in order to establish the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of the test tube) and the amount of certain essential substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body.

Pap test - A pap test is a laboratory test that determines if the cancer affected the vagina and the cervix. In order to perform this test, the doctor has to collect a sample of cells from the cervix and upper vaginal area.

Transvaginal ultrasound - Transvaginal ultrasound works after the same mechanism like a normal ultrasound. This procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to create an inside image of the body on a special computer screen. This image is formed by the echoes of the sound waves on the surface of the organs. Abnormal tissue masses and organs reflect sound waves differently. The difference is that the ultrasound device is inserted into the vagina in order to obtain an interior image.

Endometrial biopsy - Endometrial biopsy is an outpatient procedure where a narrow tube is inserted through vagina into the uterus and small samples from different area of the uterine walls are suctioned out. This is a very effective procedure in diagnosing the uterine cancer.

Dilatation and Curettage (D & C) - Sometimes, in order to establish a diagnosis, doctors have to perform what is called a dilatation and curettage procedure. This medical procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The first step of this procedure is dilatation. Then, a special instrument called curette is inserted through the vagina into the uterus. The role of this medical instrument is to scrape the uterine walls and collect tissue samples.

Exploratory laparotomy - This procedure is performed to establish the cancer stage. This procedure includes two methods:

Conditions & Diseases: Cancer

Uterine Cancer

Medical Tests & Diagnosis