How to Diagnose Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer comprises 2.5 percent of cancers affecting women and can be diagnosed fairly easily with a common procedure called a pap smear. It's recommended that women, especially those who are sexually active and/or have been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases, should undergo a pelvic examination at least once a year to ensure that, if present, this cancer is treated early. Read on to learn more about how doctors diagnose cervical cancer.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule a pelvic exam with your doctor yearly. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by and indicated by the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is most commonly found by the procedure called a pap smear. The doctor inserts a speculum (an instrument that separates the vaginal tissue) and swabs the surface of the cervix to collect cells, which are smeared on a glass slide.

• 2

  Ask your doctor to perform a colposcopy after the pap smear. This procedure is performed using a colposcope (an instrument with a light and a magnifying tool attached). The doctor looks for lesions or other abnormalities within the vaginal cavity, the detection of which indicates the necessity for further tests.

• 3

  Submit to a pelvic exam. This is done by your doctor with the aid of a speculum and the physical examination of the cervix by hand. The doctor inserts gloved fingers into the vaginal cavity and places the other hand on the abdomen, feeling the cervix and surrounding organs for abnormalities.

• 4

  Undergo further testing if cancer is suspected. One procedure is to have a cone biopsy done. This is accomplished by having a cone-shaped tissue sample removed from the cervix for lab testing. Endocervical curettage is another method, which involves scraping the cervix for tissue samples.

• 5

  Allow a blood sample to be taken by your doctor. This is called a Recaf test and is nearly 96 percent accurate in detecting cervical cancer. Many doctors believe this test should replace, or be used in concert with, the more common pap smear.