Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

If a Pap smear reveals abnormal cells, further diagnostic tests are performed to determine a diagnosis. Irregular cells could indicate:

• Human Papillomavirus Infection
• Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN): See the next page for details on this pre-cancerous condition.
• Cervical Cancer

Further tests are necessary to make a diagnosis. Additional tests that may be performed include:

• Colposcopy - the use of a lighted instrument to more closely examine the cervix. Vinegar (acetic acid) may be swabbed on the surfaces to be examined. The acid solution makes abnormal tissues turn white and therefore they are easier to see. A camera may be attached to the instrument.
• Biopsy - removal of a small sample of tissue for examination by a pathologist. The procedure is typically done without anesthesia and is associated with minimal pain or bleeding. It is possible to perform the biopsy during a colposcopy.

If the diagnostic tests indicate the presence of cancer, additional imaging (CT, MRI, etc.) may be performed to determine the location and extent of the disease.