Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University's cervical cancer team specializes in cancers of women’s reproductive systems and uses the latest diagnostic techniques for an early diagnosis of cervical cancer.

In advanced cases, cervical cancer can be detected if a patient is experiencing certain signs and symptoms. These can include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Swelling in the legs
• Blood in the urine
• Pain or issues urinating or having a bowel movement

After an abnormal Pap test or HPV test or if a patient is experiencing any of the above symptoms, there are several procedures used at Winship to diagnose cervical cancer. These typically involve a combination of:

• Medical history and physical exam. The doctor will review the patient’s full medical history. This takes into account risk factors like a history of abnormal pap smears, smoking, and any symptoms that may be present. A full physical exam will also be done, which will include a pelvic exam and a Pap test if needed.
• Colposcopy. This procedure uses a lighted instrument with a camera that enters through the vagina and closely examines the cervix. A small amount of vinegar (acetic acid) may be swabbed on the surfaces of the cervix. This makes abnormal tissue turn white and easier to identify.
• Biopsy. A small tissue sample is removed and examined by a pathologist to determine the presence of any abnormal, precancerous or cancerous cells.

Sometimes a colposcopy and a biopsy are done at the same time. This minimizes the number of visits for the patient and saves time, leading to a quicker diagnosis.

For people who have already been diagnosed with cervical cancer, further diagnostic tests may be needed to determine if and where the cancer has spread. These may include:

• Imaging tests. Imaging tests like computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can provide a detailed look inside the body, showing whether the cancer has spread, or metastasized, to other organs or areas of the body. This can be critical in developing the right treatment protocol.
• Cystoscopy. A tiny camera is inserted into the urethra to look at the bladder and urinary system. This is done under general anesthesia and is typically only done on people who have large tumors.
• Proctoscopy. Similar to a cystoscopy, a tiny camera is inserted into the patient’s rectum to see if cancer has spread to that area.