Before a doctor can make a diagnosis of cervical cancer, there are tests that need to be done that will check for cervical cancer.
Pap tests can detect most cases of cervical cancer according to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. This is one test that will be done. A pap test brushes off cervix cells that will be examined to detect any abnormal cells. If the abnormal cells exist only on the outer cervix layer, this is considered the precancerous stage. Abnormal cells can morph into cancer cells if left untreated. Cancer cells can then spread to the cervix, upper vagina, pelvic area and other body areas.
Another test the doctor may do is a HPV DNA test. This test can determine whether a patient is infected with any of the 13 types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer. This test will also involve brushing cells from the cervix to examine. High risk strains of HPV can be detected in cell DNA before cell changes to the cervix.
If the patient is younger than 30 and has a normal pap result, this DNA test will not be used. That is because most HPV infections in this age group aren’t associated with cancer and will clear up on it’s own according to the Mayo Clinic.
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis of cervical cancer, the doctor may perform one of all of these procedures: examining the cervix, taking a sample of cervical cells and removing a cone-shaped area of cervical cells.
When the doctor examines the cervix this time, a special microscope is used to identify any unusual areas. If the doctor identifies such an area, a small sample of cells will most likely be taken to biopsy. This procedure is called a colposcopy.
Depending on the size and location of the abnormal cells, determines what type of biopsy will be used. A common biopsy is the punch biopsy. In this biopsy the doctor uses a circular knife to remove a small section of the cervix.
Removing a cone-shaped area of cervical cells (also called a cone biopsy or conization) takes a cone-shaped sample of the cervix by way of a scalpel, laser or electrified wire loop. This procedure allows the doctor to obtain a deeper layer of cells for testing.
Stages
After a diagnosis is made, the patient will undergo even more testing to determine what stage the cancer is in. To determine the stage, the doctor will do a visual examination with special tools of the bladder and rectum as well as x-rays, computerized tomography scans (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
After these tests a stage is set. The stages are:
- Stage 0: cancer is early, small and confined to the cervix surface
- Stage I: cancer is confined to cervix
- Stage II: cervix and uterus are infected
- Stage III: cancer is in cervix, uterus, pelvic wall and/or lower part of the vagina
- Stage IV: cancer has spread to nearby organs and possibly other parts of the body
Treatment
To treat the cancer effectively, the doctor must know whether the cancer is invasive (deeper than surface layer) or noninvasive (only surface deep). To treat noninvasive cancer, procedure options are:
- Conization
- Laser surgery
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
- Cryosurgery
- Hysterectomy
To treat invasive cancer, the procedure options are:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
Complications
Because of treatments to remove cervical cancer, there is a very high risk a woman may not be able to conceive after treatment.
If a woman wants to get pregnant in the future after cervical cancer, the doctor may be able to perform a surgery that saves fertility. This can only be done to women with early cervical cancer. The Mayo Clinic does state that removing cervical tissue can lead to a higher incidence of miscarriage and premature birth if a woman becomes pregnant after removal surgery.
Coping and Support
A cancer diagnosis is a shock to most people. A patient can do some things to take control of the situation.
First off, be knowledgeable. Learn everything a person can about it. Ask the doctor questions. Take notes at appointments.
Secondly, create a support network. A woman does not have to face cervical cancer alone. Ask family and friends to help out around the house. Join a cancer support group. Other women have been diagnosed too and need a village to help them get through this tough time.
Lastly take time for yourself. Journal, create art, compose music, pamper yourself among other things. This will allow for coping with emotions and reduce stress.
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