Cervical cancer is an ailment that affects women. Correct diagnosis and treatment is essential for cure. For detecting it , symptoms may be studied and women may also undergo pap tests.
If these point to cervical cancer or pre-cancerous cells, other procedures will be recommended by the doctor to diagnose cervical cancer. These are:
- Colposcopy: A colposcope is used by the doctor to examine the cervix. The colposcope uses both a magnifying lens and a bright light for easy view of tissue. Insertion into the vagina is not required. This procedure is carried out in a clinic or doctor’s office. If cancer is detected, you may need to consider cervical cancer surgery cost india.
- Biopsy: The doctor extracts and examines tissue to search for pre-cancerous cells or cells with cancer. Biopsy is conducted in the office of the doctor using local anesthesia. The tissue is examined by a pathologist under microscope. These include:
Punch biopsy: A hollow and sharp device is used to extract small portions of tissue from the cervix.
LEEP: An electric wire loop is used by the doctor to cut away a round, thin piece of tissue.
Endocervical curettage: A curette( spoon shaped, small device) is used to extract a small portion of tissue from the cervix. Alternatively, a soft, thin brush may be used.
Conization: A cone shaped extract of tissue may be removed by the doctor. A conization or cone biopsy is used by the pathologist to detect whether abnormal cells are found under the cervical surface. This test may be conducted under general anesthesia. This procedure may also be used to get rid of pre-cancerous area.
Tissue removal from the cervix may cause some discharge or bleeding. But this area also heals soon. Women may experience pain like menstrual cramps. This pain can be alleviated using medication.
Before a procedure, one may ask the following questions to the doctor:
- What tests may be recommended?
- In which way will be the procedure be conducted?
- Will I need hospital stay?
- What is the time for the procedure? Will it hurt and will I be awake during the procedure?
- What are the risks? What is the potential for bleeding or infection following the procedure?
- What impact will the procedure have on my fertility?
- How soon will results be revealed? Will the doctor explain these results?
- If cancer is detected who will advise me on the future course of action?
STAGING OF CANCER:
If biopsy indicates cancer, the doctor will conduct an extensive pelvic exam. Additional tissue may be extracted to determine the stage of cancer. Staging will reveal whether tumor has extended to surrounding tissue and cancer spread to other organs.
Staging may range from stage 0 ( carcinoma in situ) to Stage 4 ( cancer spread to rectum, bladder or other body parts) and recurrent cancer (return of cancer despite treatment).
To diagnose the stage of cancer and recommend treatment, the following tests may be recommended by the doctor:
- Chest X-rays: this reveals if cancer has invaded the lungs
- CT scan: A computer linked X-ray machine conducts detailed study of body organs.
- MRI: A computer linked giant magnet is used to study abdomen and pelvis. Pictures can be studied by doctor on a monitor.
- Ultrasound: Held near the abdomen or the vagina. Sound waves from the device are used to create pictures.
These are some of the aspects of diagnosing cervical cancer. Next you must deal with cervical cancer treatment in india cost. Thankfully, this is quite low in India.