Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

Gynaecological examination and cytology. Vaginal cytology, commonly known as a Pap smear test, is a procedure used to collect and study cells from the female cervix. A brush and spatula are inserted in the patient’s cervix and a sample collected by a gentle scraping action. The test is used to detect the presence of any precancerous or malignant lesions.

Blood test. To check for anaemia and tumour markers, and for kidney function, liver function and coagulation tests. Other tests may be required depending on each patient’s health status.

Abdominal–pelvic or pelvic MRI. To determine the size and imaging characteristics of the tumour (whether it is limited to the cervix or has spread locally to the vagina and/or parametrium –tissues adjacent to the cervix and uterus) and the state of the pelvic lymph nodes.

A gynaecological ultrasound and PET-CT scan may be carried out depending on each case. When indicated, PET-CT scans are very helpful in discovering whether the cervical cancer has affected lymph nodes anywhere in the body or if there is metastasis (spread to another, distant part of the body such as the bones, liver or lungs, for example).