If you believe you have symptoms of cervical cancer, you’re not alone. Research shows that over 604,000 new cases of cervical malignancy arise annually, making it the fourth most prevalent cancer in women.
This article will discuss cervical cancer and how the professional steps involved in ensuring an accurate diagnosis. Let’s dive in!
An Overview of Cervical Malignancy
Cervical cancer involves the abnormal growth of the cells on the cervix lining’s surface as they convert to precancerous cells. While not all precancerous cells will become cancerous, treating them is essential to mitigate the risk of cervical malignancy.
Most people with this cancer experience vaginal bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, and a change in vaginal discharge.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Cervical Malignancy?
Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms, family history, and medical history to choose an appropriate diagnostic plan. They may require the following tests:
A Pap or HPV Test
The diagnosis starts with screening tests, including a pap and HPV test to detect cervical cancer. In a pap test, your doctor gently scrapes the cervix for tissues for lab examination. The procedure can detect cells with higher cervical cancer risks.
Similarly, an HPV test involves sampling cervix cells to detect signs of infection. While the test provides information on HPV, it’s not a clear indication of cervix malignancy.
A Biopsy
Your doctor may request a biopsy, involving taking a tissue sample from your cervix to detect signs of malignancy. You may have to undergo a punch or cone biopsy or endocervical curettage to ensure the pathologist can spot precancerous or cancerous cells.
Typically, doctors will conduct a punch biopsy and endocervical curettage to rule out the presence of cervical malignancy.
A Colposcopy
The healthcare provider may require a colposcopy to view abnormalities in the cervix. During this test, the doctor inserts a speculum, a specialized instrument, to gently nudge the vagina and show abnormal areas.
The magnifying lens and illumination attached to the speculum allow your healthcare provider to zoom in on the cervical tissues.
A Blood Test
Many healthcare professionals will take a blood test to conduct a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and blood chemistry study. These tests allow your doctor to measure your red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, white blood tests, and electrolytes.
As a result, your healthcare provider can detect whether you have a higher, lower, or average amount of substances to rule out precancerous and cancerous cells.
Ways to Prevent Cervical Malignancy
As HPV raises the risk of cervical cancer, getting vaccinated against this infection can minimize the risk of developing precancerous cells. In addition, adopting a diet rich in cancer-fighting nutrients and antioxidants and exercising can alleviate symptoms.
Besides this, quitting smoking can protect your body from the harmful toxins of tobacco smoke that damage your cellular DNA.
The Bottom Line
The diagnosis of cervical malignancy is complex, involving multiple tests. Your doctor or gynae will review the results with you to determine whether you have cancer and its type.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of cervix cancer, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider for an early diagnosis.
Sources
https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/diagnosis
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/diagnosis
https://www.moffitt.org/cancers/cervical-cancer/faqs/how-to-prevent-cervical-cancer/