Slightly different from other types
of cancer, cervical cancer symptoms are generally not seen until the cancer
toward a more advanced stage. Since most women do not experience any symptoms
so they are reluctant to see a doctor. One good way to detect cervical cancer
early is by doing a pap smear
regularly.
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer by Pap Smear
Pap smears have a very important
role in diagnosing cervical cancer. By doing pap smears regularly then many
women will be protected from cervical cancer. A Pap smear is a simple test that
can find cervical abnormalities before they become cancerous.
All women should perform pap smears on a regular basis, but certainly not recommended in women who have married, as well as in postmenopausal women and those who have had hysterectomy.
Colposcopy test to Support Better Diagnosis
If at the time of Pap smear
abnormalities found in the cervix, then the next step is a colposcopy
performed. Colposcopy is a test that allows doctors to see the cervix
(cervical) more closely by using an instrument called a colposcope. Colposcope
will be inserted into the vagina and then the image is captured by the tool is
displayed on a computer screen or television. In this way, conditions that
occur in the cervix will be very clearly seen.
Cervical biopsies and curettage
During a colposcopy, the doctor may perform a biopsy and biopsy of course this
is done based on what he found during the examination. Cervical biopsy is done
by taking a sample of cervical tissue for later examination under a microscope.
It takes only a few seconds to do the biopsy tissue samples and only cause
discomfort in the not too distant. If necessary it will be done biospi around
the cervical area, depending on the findings during a colposcopy.
Along with cervical biopsy, endocervical curettage can also be done. During curettage, the doctor will use a small brush to remove tissue in the endocervical channel, the area between the uterus and cervix. Curettage will cause little pain, but pain will disappear after curettage performed. The results of the biopsy and curettage usually only be seen at least 2 weeks.
Cone biopsy and LEEP
Occasionally a larger biopsy is needed to diagnose
cervical cancer. In this case, the cone biopsy can be selected. During the
cone biopsy, a sharp cone will be used to take tissue and in this procedure
required general anesthesia. Cone biopsy is also used to remove pre-cancerous
tissue from the cervix. Loop Electro Surgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) or
procedure with Loop Electro Surgical excision is the procedure performed with
local anesthesia to remove tissue from the cervix. LEEP uses electricity to
remove tissue samples. This method is commonly used to treat high-stage cancer
than just to diagnose cervical cancer.
With all the methods and procedures used in the above, then cervical cancer can be diagnosed. If indeed diagnose cervical cancer tested positive for the next action is to determine the stage of cancer. There are five stages and each stage of cervical cancer indicates how far the cancer has progressed. After staging the next step is to plan the best treatment.