Vaginal Cancer Medical Tests & Diagnosis

Conditions & Diseases: Cancers

Vaginal Cancer

Medical Tests & Diagnosis

Anamnesis (detailed medical review of past health state)
One of the first steps in establishing a cancer diagnosis is a detailed and complex medical review of the patient's past health problems and general health state, symptoms, and vaginal cancer risk factors.

Physical Examination
The doctor will conduct a pelvic and rectal examination where organs such as the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, bladder, and rectum will be checked for their health state. During the physical examination, the doctor will also perform a PAP smear.

Imaging Tests

Coloposcopy: This is a medical procedure where the vagina and cervix are closely examined with an electric microscope magnifying lense instrument. In most of the cases, during this procedure the doctor might remove a tissue sample for microscopic examination.
Proctosigmoidoscopy: This is a medical procedure highly recommended for patients with a large tumor or with the tumor located close to the rectum or colon. It is also used in patients that might suffer from metastasis (when the cancer has spread to the colon or rectum). This procedure uses a thin instrument having a tube-like shape with a camera device attached at one end which allows the doctor to see parts of the body that cannot be investigated during a normal physical examination.
Computed Tomography (CT scan): This imaging test is similar with an x-ray test, and creates a detailed cross-sectional image of the body. A CT scan is usually performed in two steps for a better diagnosis outcome:
1). First, the targeted area is scanned without a contrast agent.
2). Second, the targeted area is scanned after a contrast agent was administrated
In general, this technique is useful in providing information regarding the size and the exact location of the tumor, and can show if the cancer has spread to other organs or areas in the body.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI is an advanced, painless, noninvasive 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.
Chest X-ray: An x-ray test uses high energy electromagnetic radiation to penetrate the body and creates its image on a film. This is a test not commonly performed in vaginal cancer patients. It is used if the cancer has spread within the body and the doctor suspects that cancer has invaded the lungs.
Cystoscopy: This is a medical procedure where the doctor examines the bladder and urethra for abnormal tissue with the help of a cytoscope (a thin tube with a camera attached at the one end). This is not a common procedure for vaginal cancer patients, but is performed when the cancer may have spread to the bladder. During this procedure, the doctor might remove a sample of tissue. This procedure is highly recommended when the tumor is large or is located in the front walls of the vagina near the bladder.
Ureteroscopy: This is a medical procedure used to examine whether or not the cancer has spread to the ureters. The instrument used is called ureteroscope which is a thin tube with a camera device attached to one end.
Lymphangiogram: This is a procedure similar with the x-ray, but it focuses on the lymph system. A lymphagiogram uses a dye agent injected into the lymph vessels in the feet, which travels through out the entire lymph system of the body. The x-ray will show if there is any blockage caused by a cancer invasion. This test is performed in patients with advanced stages of vaginal cancer.

Biopsy

Biopsy is a medical procedure where a tissue sample is removed from the tumor or abnormal looking surface of an organ for a microscopic examination. The biopsy is the most conclusive test, because it clearly establishes where the abnormal tissue is cancer or not, and if cancer, what type of cancer is. There are two types of biopsies performed in vaginal cancer patients:

Excisional biopsy: This is a type of biopsy where the entire lesion/tumor is removed. The excisional biopsy can be performed with local or general anesthesia, depending on the tumor size and location.
Punch biopsy: During this type of biopsy only a small amount of abnormal tissue/tumor is removed with a instrument that looks like a tiny apple corer. This biopsy is usually performed under local anesthesia.

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com