What tests are needed to diagnose cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is currently the only gynecological malignancy with a clear cause. It is associated with persistent infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV). The following examinations are required when diagnosing cervical cancer.

① Cervical smear cytology examination: This method can detect precancerous lesions and early cervical cancer. Because there is a certain false negative rate, patients should have regular examinations.

② Biopsy of cervix and endocervical canal: Those with abnormal cervical smear cytology need to undergo biopsy, but those with negative cervical biopsy should take multiple tissues for pathological examination.

③ Colposcopy: Colposcopy cannot directly confirm whether a person has cancer, but it can assist in biopsy of the cervix. According to statistics, the diagnosis rate of early cervical cancer is as high as 98% when biopsy is taken with the help of colposcopy.

④ Cervical cone excision: Cervical cone excision can be performed when biopsy cannot confirm the presence or absence of invasive cancer.

After cervical cancer is confirmed, lymphangiography, cystoscopy, and colonoscopy may be performed depending on the specific circumstances.