Gynecologic Cancer Screening in Charlottesville, VA
Protect your health with dedicated and empathetic care.
What is Gynecologic Cancer Screening?
Screening tests are used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Early detection is your best defense against gynecologic cancers. Our gynecologic cancer screening services include evaluation to detect early signs of cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, vulvar cancer, and uterine cancer. We use screening techniques such as Pap smears, HPV tests, pelvic exams, ultrasound, and blood work. We aim to identify precancerous conditions or cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable.
Why Receive a Gynecologic Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screening is recommended to:
- Identify abnormal cells that might indicate the presence of cancer
- Detect strains of HPV (human papillomavirus), which can lead to cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers
- Track changes related to HPV and assess the risk of cervical cancer, especially in young women/individuals with a uterus
- Evaluate abnormal vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain, which can be symptoms of underlying conditions
Ovarian cancer screening is not recommended for normal/low risk individuals. Studies evaluating screening methods have not shown a benefit. Screening is recommended for individuals with a strong family history or a genetic predisposition. Screening involves a combination of a pelvic exam, regular ultrasounds and bloodwork for cancer markers.
Uterine/Endometrial cancer screening is not needed for low or normal risk individuals. Most uterine cancers arise from the lining of the uterus, the endometrium. If you have risk factors for uterine/endometrial cancer, then screening can be done by regular vaginal ultrasound and sometimes a biopsy of the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
Vulvar cancer screening (the skin between your pubic bone and your anus) is only needed in individuals with medical conditions that place them at higher risk. Vulvar cancer is rare, accounting for only 0.7% of cancers in women. Individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions or immunosuppression are at higher risk. Lichen Sclerosus, HIV, a family history of melanoma, and smoking are all risk factors. Screening consists of regular visual inspection of the vulva and sometimes using a microscope.
Who Needs Gynecologic Cancer Screening?
Cervical cancer screening is important for ALL individuals with a uterus. Starting at age 21-25, individuals with a uterus are advised to undergo regular cervical cancer screening as part of their preventative health routine.
While HPV testing is generally introduced at age 30 in combination with a Pap test, initiating regular pelvic exams in the early twenties can help detect any abnormalities early. Engaging in these screening practices is crucial, regardless of one's sexual activity, to ensure early detection and management of potential health issues.
Screening recommendations also change over time. New guidelines come out about every 5 years. Pap smears used to be recommended every year. Now screening is recommended every 3-5 years depending on age. The major reason for less frequent t screening is the ability to test for HPV. We recognized that HPV causes 99% of cervical cancers and HPV can be detected before it causes precancerous changes to the cells of the cervix.
Benefits
There are many advantages to receiving gynecologic cancer screening:
- Early Detection: Screening can detect precancerous cells BEFORE they become cancerous, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
- Peace of Mind: Regular screenings can provide reassurance and help you manage your health proactively.
- Targeted Care: If screening results show abnormal findings, our team is prepared with a range of treatment options tailored to your needs.
What to Expect During Your Screening
During your visit, you will undergo one or more of the following:
Pap Test: A small sample of cells is gently scraped from the cervix and examined under a microscope. The Pap test specifically looks for precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. It is recommended for individuals with a uterus starting at age 21-25 and continuing through age 65 at intervals advised by their healthcare provider.
HPV Testing: HPV testing is the most important test because persistent HPV infections can lead to cervical cancer. 99% of cervical cancers are caused by an HPV infection. This test can be done using the same cell sample as the Pap test. It identifies the presence of high-risk types of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. HPV testing is recommended alongside a Pap test for individuals with a uterus aged 30 and over and can be done less frequently than Pap tests if results are normal.
Pelvic Exam: A pelvic examination allows an evaluation of the external and internal pelvic organs for any abnormalities. During the pelvic exam your provider examines the reproductive organs including the vagina, cervix, ovaries, and uterus. It is a standard part of a gynecological checkup and helps in detecting various conditions, not just cancer.
Genetic Testing: We offer genetic testing to individuals with a strong family history of cancer or genetic mutations. Genetic testing involves analyzing your DNA to identify inherited cancer risk. This test can be particularly important for cancers like ovarian and breast cancer. Results from genetic testing can guide further monitoring and prevention strategies. DNA is collected from saliva while in the office.
Pelvic Ultrasound: Pelvic ultrasounds are reserved for high risk individuals for ovarian or uterine/endometrial cancer. A pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your pelvic organs such as the uterus and ovaries.
Bloodwork: Bloodwork is reserved for individuals who qualify for ovarian cancer screening. A CA-125 blood test is drawn in conjunction with a pelvic ultrasound at regular intervals.
Throughout the screening process our staff prioritizes your comfort and dignity. Each step will be thoroughly explained and any questions you have will be answered. After your tests, we discuss all findings with you in detail. Our goal is to make sure you understand your results and the next steps in your care plan.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology for Gynecologic Cancer Screening
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed. Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain. Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.