How is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed and Staged?

 



Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix and is often linked to persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Detecting it early through proper diagnosis and staging is very important for successful treatment.

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
The first step usually begins with routine screening tests. A Pap smear test is performed to identify abnormal or precancerous cells in the cervix. If abnormal changes are detected, your doctor may suggest a colposcopy, which is a procedure that uses a special magnifying device to examine the cervix in detail.

During colposcopy, the doctor may take a biopsy, where a small tissue sample from the cervix is removed and tested in a lab. This biopsy confirms if cancer cells are present. In some cases, additional tests such as HPV DNA testing are also done to identify high-risk virus strains responsible for cervical cancer.

Staging of Cervical Cancer
Once cancer is confirmed, the next step is to determine how advanced it is. This process is called staging. Staging helps doctors plan the right treatment. Common staging tests include:

  • Imaging scans such as MRI, CT scan, or PET scan to see if cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs.

  • Pelvic examinations under anesthesia to check the extent of tumor growth.

  • Blood tests to assess overall health and organ function.

Cervical cancer is staged from Stage 0 to Stage IV:

  • Stage 0: Precancerous changes (no spread).

  • Stage I: Cancer limited to the cervix.

  • Stage II: Cancer spread beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall.

  • Stage III: Cancer reached the pelvic wall or lower part of the vagina.

  • Stage IV: Cancer spread to bladder, rectum, or distant organs.

Accurate diagnosis and staging are vital for choosing the right treatment approach, whether surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination.

If you are looking for expert guidance and advanced treatment, consulting the Best Cervical Cancer Surgeon can help ensure timely care and improved outcomes.



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