The Cervix
| Causes & symptoms | The Treatment | Questions |  |
How Does The Doctor Make The Diagnosis?
Smear or Pap test
The smear or Pap test is used to help diagnose cancer of the cervix. However, it is more commonly used as a routine test to detect early cell changes (CIN).
Colposcopy
Before your test the nurse will help you position yourself on the couch. In the same way as the smear test the doctor will use a speculum to hold the vaginal walls open. A small sample of surface cells (biopsy) is then taken from the cervix for examination under a microscope.
Cone biopsy
If the abnormal area can't be seen properly with the colposcope, a cone biopsy may be carried out. This is done under a general anaesthetic and will mean a short stay in hospital.
A small cone shaped section of the abnormal cells is taken from the cervix for examination under a microscope. If there is just a very slight growth of cancer cells (microinvasive cancer), the cone biopsy may remove it all so no further treatment is needed.
Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ)
This is often used instead of a cone biopsy, but is carried out under local anaesthetic and uses a thin wire to cut through the affected area.
If the tests show that you have cancer of the cervix your doctor will probably want to do some further tests to see if there is any spread of the disease. The tests may include any of the following.
Blood tests
A sample of blood is taken to check the cells in your blood and to see how well the kidneys and liver are functioning.
CT scan (CAT scan)
In this scan several small X-rays are taken and fed into a computer to build up a detailed picture of the size and position of the cancer.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or NMR scan)
This test is similar to a CT scan, but uses magnetism instead of X-rays to build up cross-sectional pictures of your body.
Pelvic ultrasound
This test is used to measure the size and position of the cancer. A small microphone-like device, which produces sound waves, is then passed over the skin and the echoes are converted into a picture by a computer.
