Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer and Diagnosis

Abnormal cells in the cervix and cervical cancer do not always cause symptoms. Precancerous or cancer cells are usually found with a pelvic exam and Pap test. This is why a Pap test is suggested for all women who are sexually active or age 18 and older.

Later stages of cervical cancer cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or a blood-stained discharge at unexpected times. For example, you may have bleeding between menstrual periods, after intercourse, or after menopause. Menstrual periods may last longer and be heavier than normal. You may have more vaginal discharge. The cancer can cause pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.

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Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms. If you have any of these (possible) symptoms of cervical cancer, tell your healthcare provider so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

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How is it diagnosed?

How do you know if what you have are really the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Pelvic exams and Pap tests are used to check for changes in cervical (cervix) cells or cancer. For a Pap test, your healthcare provider gently scrapes cells from the cervix. The cells are sent to a lab for tests.

Some women may get an HPV test along with the Pap test. You should talk with your provider to see if this is right for you. If your Pap test is not normal, your provider may look at the cervix with a colposcope. This is a special type of microscope (like a magnifying glass) for looking at the vagina and cervix. The test is called a colposcopy.

During the test, your provider may take a sample of tissue. For example, this may be done by cutting off a tiny piece of the cervix (a biopsy) or by taking scrapings from the lining of the cervical canal (endocervical curettage). The samples are tested in the lab.

(Don’t try to remember the exact medical terms, focus on the description as I’ve done here. For example, the doctor may say s/he’s going to use an instrument to look inside your vagina and cervix. This will sound familiar to you but not the word “colposcopy”. Does this help?)

Sometimes there may be abnormal cells that are not found with the Pap test. If you have a normal Pap test but an area of the cervix does not look normal in a pelvic exam, your provider may want to do a biopsy of the area. (Biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue for laboratory examination)

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