Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsScreeningDiagnosisStagingImagingDifferential DiagnosesFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Cervical Cancer GuideCervical Cancer Survival Rate: What to Expect
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Screening
Diagnosis
Staging
Imaging
Differential Diagnoses
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Cervical Cancer Guide
Other tests or procedures may be done when cervical cancer is diagnosed and staged, before treatment begins. That’s especially true in more advanced stages of cervical cancer.
This article explains the tests and procedures used to diagnose cervical cancer. It also describes the first signs of cervical cancer, the stages that classify the extent of the cancer, and the importance of early detection.
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First Signs of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer symptomsdo not usually appear until cancer has progressed to a fairly advanced stage.HPV, the most common cause of cervical cancer, does not usually cause symptoms—which is why it’s so important to have your regularly scheduled gynecological exams.
Nevertheless, there are a few things you can look for while noting these will not enable you to diagnose cervical cancer. Rather, they are simply signs you should see a healthcare provider.
These signs and symptoms include:
How Is Cervical Cancer Detected in Its Early Stages?The American Cancer Society recommends people between the ages of 25 and 65 should be screened with either an HPV test, or HPV test and Pap smear, every five years. A Pap smear alone is every three years. A healthcare provider can then follow up on any abnormal changes, in order to detect a cancer in its early stages. More frequent testing may be recommended for those at higher risk.
How Is Cervical Cancer Detected in Its Early Stages?
The American Cancer Society recommends people between the ages of 25 and 65 should be screened with either an HPV test, or HPV test and Pap smear, every five years. A Pap smear alone is every three years. A healthcare provider can then follow up on any abnormal changes, in order to detect a cancer in its early stages. More frequent testing may be recommended for those at higher risk.
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Cervical Cancer Screening
Abnormal changes in the cervix typically develop over several years. Since cervical cells go through a series of alterations before becoming cancer cells, it is possible to screen for evidence of HPV or for precancerous changes with diagnostic tests.
The two main ways to diagnose cervical cancer are the Pap smear and HPV test. These screenings are then followed with additional diagnostic tests.
Cramping From Bruised Cervix: How to Manage Pain
Pap Smear
A Pap smear plays a vital role in diagnosing cervical cancer.It is how most people discover that they havecervical dysplasiaor cervical cancer. It is a simple test that can reveal abnormalities of the cervix long before they progress into cancer.
It only takes seconds to collect a Pap smear sample. Some people experience a mild cramping sensation similar to menstrual cramps after this, but usually there is no pain.
Abnormal Pap Smear Results: What Do They Mean?
The cells are examined under a microscope and abnormal cells are referred to ascervical dysplasia.
Cervical dysplasia is classified as follows:
HPV Testing
HPV testingis another important test that may be done alone or at the same time as a Pap smear. If only a Pap smear has been done and it is abnormal, an HPV test can often be done on the same sample.The sample collected is sent to a lab to identify the virus.
Diagnostic Procedures
If your Pap smear reveals cervical abnormalities, acolposcopymay be scheduled.A colposcopy is an in-office exam that allows the healthcare provider to view thecervixmore closely with a colposcope, a lighted instrument that magnifies the cervix. Images may be projected onto a screen for a more detailed view and biopsy planning.
Cervical Cancer Biopsies
Healthcare providers may perform acervical biopsyduring colposcopy or another procedure.This involves removing a small amount of cervical tissue to be examined under a microscope, with several procedures that are done to test for cervical cancer.
Types of biopsy include:
Be sure to discuss biopsy risks with your healthcare provider. Complications are rare but do occur, and may have lasting impacts, such as painful menstrual periods or changes in the cervix structure. Also tell them if you have pain, vaginal bleeding, and other symptoms that do not resolve within a few days after the procedure.
Cervical Cancer Staging
Once the biopsy results return, cervical cancer can either be ruled out or diagnosed. If a cervical cancer diagnosis is made, the next step is to determine thestageof cervical cancer. There are four stages of cervical cancer, each of which represents how far advanced cancer has spread.
What Is Stage 0 Cancer?Stage 0 is not an official stage of cancer; it is used informally to describecarcinoma in situ, a noninvasive finding based on a biopsy. Any stage beyond stage 0 is considered invasive.
What Is Stage 0 Cancer?
Stage 0 is not an official stage of cancer; it is used informally to describecarcinoma in situ, a noninvasive finding based on a biopsy. Any stage beyond stage 0 is considered invasive.
Stage I
Stage I tumors are generally only seen with a microscope, but in advanced stage I, cancer may be seen without a microscope.The cancerous cells have invaded thecervixand cells are no longer just at the surface. This stage is broken down into:
Stage IB:In stageIB, the invasion is greater than 5 mm deep, but still limited to the cervix.
Stage II
Stage II tumors have spread beyond the cervix.
Stage IIB:The cancer has spread to the tissues around the uterus and the upper two-thirds of the vagina, but not to the pelvic wall.
Stage III
Stage IV
In stage IV, the cancer spreads beyond adjacent regions to other areas of the body.
Cervical cancer that spreads is considered metastatic cancer. Imaging tests can help identify areas of metastasis.
In general, imaging tests are used for staging. So, if you have non-invasive cervical cancer removed, and no signs or symptoms of metastasis, these tests are likely not necessary.
If your healthcare provider suspects local spread or distant metastases (due to your symptoms or the appearance of the tumor on physical examination or under a microscope), then imaging tests will be used to assess the regions of the body that there is concern about.
Common Imaging TestsUltrasound: An ultrasound can look at the cervix, the bladder, and the whole pelvic region to determine the cause of symptoms. It can also be used to view other areas of the body if there is a concern about metastasis.X-ray:An X-ray, such as a chest X-ray, can identify metastatic cervical cancer that has spread to the lungs or the ribs, for example. Rarely, an abnormality seen on a routine X-ray could be the first sign of metastatic cervical cancer.MRI: An MRI scan can be used to visualize the area of the cervix and pelvis. An MRI is especially useful for evaluating the spine and the spinal cord, where late-stage cervical cancer may spread.CT scan: A CT scan, like an MRI, can visualize the area of the cervix and pelvis, as well as other regions of the body where cervical cancer could have metastasized.PET scan: A PET scan is a functional test that shows areas where there is active growth of a tumor. This is particularly helpful when it comes to evaluating lymph nodes, the lungs, and the liver.
Common Imaging Tests
Ultrasound: An ultrasound can look at the cervix, the bladder, and the whole pelvic region to determine the cause of symptoms. It can also be used to view other areas of the body if there is a concern about metastasis.X-ray:An X-ray, such as a chest X-ray, can identify metastatic cervical cancer that has spread to the lungs or the ribs, for example. Rarely, an abnormality seen on a routine X-ray could be the first sign of metastatic cervical cancer.MRI: An MRI scan can be used to visualize the area of the cervix and pelvis. An MRI is especially useful for evaluating the spine and the spinal cord, where late-stage cervical cancer may spread.CT scan: A CT scan, like an MRI, can visualize the area of the cervix and pelvis, as well as other regions of the body where cervical cancer could have metastasized.PET scan: A PET scan is a functional test that shows areas where there is active growth of a tumor. This is particularly helpful when it comes to evaluating lymph nodes, the lungs, and the liver.
There are a few other conditions that may initially appear similar to cervical cancer or HPV infection. Your healthcare provider may suspect them initially, but testing will quickly rule them in or out.
Common conditions include:
Other conditions that may mimic cervical cancer include:
Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VaIN): Low- and High-Grade Results
Cervical cancer is caused when healthy cells in the cervix develop mutations in theirDNA. These mutations cause the cells to multiply out of control, resulting in a mass of abnormal cells called a tumor. The biggest risk factor ishuman papillomavirus (HPV)infection, and genetics and environmental factors are also thought to contribute.Learn MoreCauses and Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is caused when healthy cells in the cervix develop mutations in theirDNA. These mutations cause the cells to multiply out of control, resulting in a mass of abnormal cells called a tumor. The biggest risk factor ishuman papillomavirus (HPV)infection, and genetics and environmental factors are also thought to contribute.
Learn MoreCauses and Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
Pap smears and HPV testing are the routine screening tests for cervical cancer.Tissue biopsy and imaging can confirm a diagnosis. Genetic testing and biomarkers may inform treatment options. Blood tests are not used in diagnosing cervical cancer, but diagnostic blood tests are emerging as the science evolves.Learn MoreTumor Markers: Definitions and Examples
Pap smears and HPV testing are the routine screening tests for cervical cancer.Tissue biopsy and imaging can confirm a diagnosis. Genetic testing and biomarkers may inform treatment options. Blood tests are not used in diagnosing cervical cancer, but diagnostic blood tests are emerging as the science evolves.
Learn MoreTumor Markers: Definitions and Examples
Learn MoreWhat Are the Types of Hysterectomy?
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