Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
1. Conventional Pap Smear
The Pap smear is one of the earliest and most commonly used screening methods for cervical cancer. The doctor uses a small spatula to gently scrape cells from your cervix to collect enough exfoliated cells for manual slide preparation. The sample is then sent to a cytopathologist for microscopic examination and diagnosis.
2. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid or Lugol's Iodine (VIA/VILI)
The doctor applies a solution of acetic acid or iodine to your cervix using a cotton swab and then visually inspects the cervix for changes in color or texture that may indicate precancerous or cancerous lesions.
3. Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC)
Unlike the conventional Pap smear, this method uses a soft brush or swab to collect cells from the cervix. The sample is then processed using specialized equipment for slide preparation before being examined under a microscope.
4. HPV DNA Test
The Hybrid Capture II (HC-II) method is currently the recommended technique for detecting HPV DNA.
5. Colposcopy
A colposcope is a type of endoscope, available in optical and electronic forms. It allows direct observation of the cervix under strong illumination, using either a binocular magnifying lens or a video monitor. If clinical findings or cytology results are suspicious, the doctor may recommend a colposcopy to examine the cervix more closely.
6. Cervical Biopsy
If any of the above tests reveal abnormalities, a biopsy may be necessary. During this procedure, the doctor uses biopsy forceps to remove a small piece of suspicious cervical tissue for laboratory analysis. The procedure may cause mild discomfort and slight bleeding for one or two days. The biopsy results provide a definitive diagnosis.
