What are the steps for cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer screening mainly refers to an important means of preventing cervical cancer. A series of examinations can be used to detect abnormal changes in cervical cells or precancerous lesions at an early stage. The main screenings include cervical cytology, high-risk HPV testing, colposcopy, cervical biopsy, etc.

1. Cervical cytology: also known as thin-layer liquid-based cytology, this is the basic method for early cervical cancer screening and a necessary step for diagnosis. The doctor will use a small brush to brush the exfoliated cells on the surface of the patient's cervix and the cervical canal for examination to determine whether there are suspicious diseased cells.

2. High-risk HPV test: This is to detect whether there is high-risk human papillomavirus HPV infection in cervical secretions, especially high-risk HPV subtype infection. Through staining microscopy, DNA testing and other methods, it is determined whether the subject is infected with HPV.

3. Colposcopy: If the cytology test shows atypical squamous cells and the high-risk HPV test is positive, or if it is low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or above, a colposcopy should be performed. The doctor uses a microscope to observe the internal conditions of the cervix and check whether there is abnormal bleeding or odor in the cervix. A biopsy can also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

4. Cervical biopsy: Also referred to as biopsy, it is a gynecological examination that takes out several tissues from the cervix for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis. If there are visible lesions on the cervix, single or multiple biopsies should be performed. If you need to understand the pathological conditions of the cervical canal, endocervical curettage should be performed.

Note: It is recommended to consult a professional before screening to understand the specific screening plan. You should pay more attention to sexual hygiene in daily life and avoid having too many sexual partners or high-risk sex. Exercise more to enhance your physical fitness and disease resistance. If you have any discomfort, you can seek medical help in time.