Pelvic Cancer

Pelvic Cancer Diagnosis

If symptoms or screening test outcomes indicate a potential for cervical cancer, your physician will conduct further examinations to ascertain whether it is indeed cancerous or attributable to another cause. Initial steps typically involve an inquiry into your personal and familial medical background, alongside a physical assessment encompassing pelvic and rectovaginal examinations. Additional diagnostic procedures may be advised to confirm the presence of cervical cancer and assess any potential metastasis. These test findings will guide both you and your doctor in formulating an appropriate treatment plan.

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Colposcopy is a medical procedure where a healthcare provider utilizes a speculum to delicately open the vagina, enabling them to inspect the cervix. A vinegar solution is applied to highlight any abnormal areas on the cervix. Subsequently, the healthcare provider positions a device called a colposcope near the vagina. Equipped with a bright light and magnifying lens, the colposcope enables a detailed examination of the cervix. Typically, a colposcopy also involves obtaining a biopsy.

Biopsy

Biopsy involves extracting a tissue sample from the cervix for microscopic examination by a pathologist to detect potential signs of cancer. Various types of biopsies are utilized to investigate cervical cancer:

• Punch biopsy entails removing a small circular piece of tissue using a sharp, hollow instrument. Multiple areas of the cervix may undergo examination with this method, typically performed in a doctor’s office.
• Endocervical curettage collects cells or tissue from the cervical canal using a spoon-shaped instrument, usually obtaining a small tissue sample, also conducted in a doctor’s office.
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) employs a thin wire loop carrying an electrical current to extract cervical tissue. LEEP serves for diagnostic purposes and may also address precancerous or early-stage cancerous conditions. This outpatient procedure usually lasts a few minutes and involves local anesthesia.
• Cone biopsy, or conization, entails surgically removing a larger, cone-shaped tissue piece from the cervix and cervical canal. It serves diagnostic purposes and can also treat precancerous or early-stage cancer. Performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.

Discuss with your healthcare provider the procedure's details and potential post-biopsy effects such as bleeding, discharge, or discomfort akin to menstrual cramps. Pathology reports provide insights into the biopsy's findings and the nature of the cells or tissue removed.

Getting a second opinion

Certain individuals opt to seek a second opinion to validate their cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment strategy. Should you decide to pursue a second opinion, it's essential to acquire pertinent medical test results and reports from the initial physician to share with the second opinion provider. The latter will scrutinize pathology reports, slides, and scans before offering guidance. The second opinion provider might concur with the initial diagnosis and treatment plan, propose alterations or an alternative approach, or furnish additional insights regarding your condition.