Cervical Cancer Detection

The number of deaths due to cervical cancer has significantly reduced since screening tests were first introduced in the 1950s. But even with cervical cancer detection tools available, the more than 4,000 deaths estimated by the American Cancer Society from this type of cancer in 2011 remains disturbing. This is in America, where screening tests like Pap Smear are easily accessible. But in many underdeveloped countries, the battle against this second most common type of cancer afflicting women, rages on.

Most studies point to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as cause of cervical cancer. There are two types of HPV, low and high risk, and and it is the latter that often leads to invasive cancer. Absent symptoms, which only manifest themselves at the later stages, cervical cancer detection can be done through regular Pap tests and pelvic exams. In case abnormal cells show up in the screening, further diagnostic tests will be recommended to verify if these are pre-cancerous or have developed into the invasive kind.

For women who put off seeing their doctor regularly and have never had Pap tests, awareness of signs indicating cervical cancer is important. Do not shrug off abnormal bleeding, after sexual intercourse or even douching especially when this is not during the regular menstrual cycle. Pain -- while urinating and during sex -- could also mean the HPV has caused more than infection.

Early cervical cancer detection is now possible so that immediate intervention can be taken. The recovery rate is naturally higher when it is treated at the early stages. Or if diagnostic tests only show these are pre-cancerous cells, then appropriate steps can also be taken to prevent it from developing into true cancer.

Pap tests are one form of screening, but are not diagnostic. There are other examinations that will help determine if cervical cancer is present. Still the Pap test, more than a pelvic exam, is very helpful at least in detecting abnormal cells that may eventually become real cancer. While most women will find it uncomfortable, its value in cervical cancer detection cannot be overemphasized.

If Pap results show the presence of abnormal cells, doctors will recommend diagnostic tests for more conclusive findings. This will include colposcopy, which is a procedure that allows the doctor to look at the cervix at close range and examine if the abnormal cells have spread to other tissues. A biopsy may also be performed to actually verify if these are still pre-cancerous or real cancer. These twin procedures are key to cervical cancer detection and may help prevent the disease from progressing.

Sometimes, cervical biopsy goes beyond being a tool for cervical cancer detection and may actually be the solution to get rid of the cancerous cells. This is especially true if detection happens in the very early stages. There are several types of biopsy and any may be recommended by the attending physician. Further tests may be prescribed, especially if the cancer is thought to have significantly progressed and has endangered other organs of the body.