Cancer, which originates at the cervix, is known as cervical cancer. Usually, this cancer starts in the cells present on the cervix’s surface. Back in the day, cervical cancer used to be the most significant cause of cancer death among women in the country. However, with more timely screening, this has changed. Read on to know the symptoms and diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Symptoms
Mostly, cervical cancer does not show any symptoms in the early stages because the symptoms are usually absent during the pre-cancer stage. However, patients in advanced stages depict severe symptoms. The severity of the symptoms depends on the organs and tissues where cancer has spread. The cause of cervical cancer might be a different non-cancerous medical condition. Therefore, one needs to be particularly careful of the following warning symptoms of cervical cancer.

• Light bleeding or blood spots after or between periods
• Excessive vaginal discharge
• Heavier menstrual bleeding heavier for longer than usual
• Painful intercourse
• Bleeding after sex, pelvic exam, or douching
• Bleeding post menopause
• Persistent back or pelvic ache

Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of cervical cancer, the following tests and examinations are conducted.

Biopsy
In case cervical cancer is suspected, the doctor will examine the cervix with a colposcope. This magnifying instrument helps find abnormal cells in the body. In this examination, the doctor will take a tiny sample of cervical cells and send them for lab tests. It is known as a biopsy. The doctor will use either of the following to acquire tissue for biopsy.

• Endocervical curettage
  In this, a thin brush or a curet is used for scraping a cervix’s tissue sample.

• Punch biopsy
  The doctor will use a sharp tool to extract a small sample of the cervix’s tissue.

In case one finds endocervical curettage or punch biopsy worrisome, they can opt for other methods like,

• Cone biopsy
  Also known as conization, it is a procedure, which lets the doctor acquire deeper layers of cervical cells. These cells are then sent for lab tests. The procedure happens in a hospital after administering general anesthesia.

• Electrical wire loop
  In this diagnosis method, a thin, low-voltage electric wire is used to acquire a small tissue sample. The procedure takes place under the effect of local anesthesia.

• Screening tests
  Screening tests are performed to detect pre-cancerous cells, which might develop when someone has cervical cancer.

For screening, the doctor will conduct the following tests.

• HPV DNA test
  It is performed to collect cells from the cervix and examine it for an HPV infection.
• Pap test
  The doctor scoops out or brushes the cells from the cervix to examine in the lab for any abnormalities. The test will help find the presence of cancer cells.