Cancer of the Cervix
Alternate Names : Cervical Cancer, Cervical Tumor, Cervical Carcinoma
How is the disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis of cancer of the cervix is done with a pelvic examination that includes a Pap smear. During a pelvic exam,
the cervix, vagina, and vulva are checked for signs of changes. To do a Pap
smear, a provider uses a small spatula and a brush to gently scrape cells from
the cervix. These cells are sent to a lab for testing.
If abnormalities are found, the Pap smear may be
repeated in 3 months. Alternately, the healthcare provider may do the following additional
tests:
colposcopy, a procedure in which a special microscope allows the
provider to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva
cervical biopsy, a procedure in which small tissue samples are
taken from the cervix. This procedure is generally done in a healthcare
provider's office.
cold cone biopsy, a
procedure in which a large tissue sample is taken from the cervix. This
procedure is normally done in an
operating room under
general anesthesia. The cone biopsy often removes all of the
cancerous tissue.
Tissue that is removed for a cervical biopsy is examined under a microscope
and used to determine the stage of the cancer. Following are the stages of cervical cancer:
stage 1, in which the tumor is in the uterus and cervix only
stage 2, in which the tumor has spread to the vagina
stage 3, in which the tumor has invaded the side wall of the pelvis
stage 4, in which the tumor has spread to the rectum, bladder, and distant
organs
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