Cervical cancerdiagnosis usually begins with a routinePap smearscreening.
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.
Verywell
This article explains the tests and procedures used 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?
Verywell
A Pap smear alone is every three years.
More frequent testing may be recommended for those at higher risk.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Abnormal changes in the cervix typically develop over several years.
The two main ways to diagnose cervical cancer are the Pap smear and HPV test.
These screenings are then followed with additional diagnostic tests.
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.
The cells are examined under a microscope and abnormal cells are referred to ascervical dysplasia.
While there are over 100 strains of the virus, not all of these cause cancer.
Additional HPV viruses have been linked to cancer with other HPV strains too.
Images may be projected onto a screen for a more detailed view and biopsy planning.
Types of biopsy include:
Be sure to discuss biopsy risks with your healthcare provider.
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?
Any stage beyond stage 0 is considered invasive.
This stage is broken down into:
Stage IA:This is the earliest stage of invasive cervical cancer.
The cancer cannot yet be visualized with the naked eye and can only be identified under the microscope.
Stage II
Stage II tumors have spread beyond the cervix.
Imaging
Cervical cancer that spreads is considered metastatic cancer.
Imaging tests can help identify areas of metastasis.
In general, imaging tests are used for staging.
Your healthcare provider may suspect them initially, but testing will quickly rule them in or out.
Genetic testing and biomarkers may inform treatment options.
This increases the chances of a cure and preventsrecurrence.
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