How to determine whether it is cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the cervix of the uterus. Its diagnosis requires a combination of multiple examination methods. The detailed steps to determine whether it is cervical cancer include clinical symptom observation, cervical cytology examination, colposcopy, cervical biopsy, imaging examination and other methods.

1. Clinical symptom observation: Observe whether typical symptoms of cervical cancer appear, such as contact bleeding, irregular vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge that is watery or accompanied by a foul odor, etc. However, these symptoms are not unique to cervical cancer and may also be caused by other gynecological diseases, so symptoms alone cannot be used to make a diagnosis.

2. Cervical cytology examination: Cervical cytology examination is one of the important means of cervical cancer screening. By collecting cells from the transitional zone of the cervix, traditional Pap smear method or liquid-based thin layer preparation method is performed, and the smear results are checked by a cytopathologist. If the result is positive, that is, abnormal cells are found, further colposcopy is recommended.

3. Colposcopy: Colposcopy is to use an optical speculum to magnify the vagina and cervix 5-40 times and directly observe the changes in the vaginal and cervical mucosa. For patients with abnormal cervical cytology results but no obvious cervical lesions visible to the naked eye, a biopsy should be performed under direct colposcopy. Colposcopy can improve the accuracy of biopsy and help detect early cervical cancer or precancerous lesions.

4. Cervical biopsy: Cervical biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing cervical cancer. For patients with obvious cervical lesions visible to the naked eye, samples can be taken directly from the lesion area for biopsy. The biopsy tissue will be sent to the pathology department for pathological examination to confirm whether there are cancer cells. The results of cervical biopsy can clearly diagnose precancerous lesions and cervical cancer, and provide a basis for subsequent treatment.

5. Imaging examination: Imaging examinations such as abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, abdominal and pelvic CT, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, etc. can observe the location, shape and size of the tumor. Although these examinations cannot directly diagnose cervical cancer, they can provide important references for clinical staging and formulating treatment plans.

If you experience symptoms suspected of cervical cancer, you should seek medical attention and undergo relevant examinations promptly.