Cervical cancer diagnosis

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time and can be detected early through routine screenings. Indications for cervical cancer diagnosis include abnormal Pap test results, persistent vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during sex. A doctor may also perform a pelvic exam to check for any abnormalities. The most common diagnostic tools for cervical cancer include a Pap test and an HPV test. During a Pap test, cells from the cervix are collected and examined under a microscope for any abnormalities. In addition, gynecologists perform imaging tests to check for tumor location, size, and connection with other organs. Among them are pelvis ultrasound examination, contrast CT scan, or PET CT scan in case distant metastases can be suspected. The diagnostic process usually takes a couple of days on an outpatient basis, so hospitalization is not required. Finally, doctors generally determine the cancer stage according to the TNM classification. By detecting cervical cancer early, oncologists can substantially increase the treatment results and survival and reduce the risk of cancer spreading to other body parts.