How to detect cervical cancer

Dec 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, cervical cancer can be detected through methods such as cervical cytology (Pap smear), human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, colposcopy, cervical biopsy, and endocervical curettage. Regular screening is very important for the early detection of cervical cancer, especially for women with risk factors for the disease. It is recommended that all eligible women follow their doctor's guidance and undergo regular cervical cancer screening.

Generally, cervical cancer can be detected through methods such as cervical cytology (Pap smear), human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, colposcopy, cervical biopsy, and endocervical curettage. The specific details are as follows:

1. Cervical Cytology: A doctor uses a specialized cervical brush to collect exfoliated cervical cells by rotating it several times around the cervical os and inside the cervical canal. The collected cells are then placed into a preservative solution and sent to the laboratory for examination. This method can detect early cervical lesions, including cervical inflammation, atypical hyperplasia, and cancer cells.

2. Human Papillomavirus Testing: This primarily involves collecting cervical secretions to test for HPV infection. Currently, commonly used methods involve collecting specimens at the cervical os using a specialized sampling brush, followed by detection techniques such as polymerase chain reaction or hybrid capture to determine the presence of high-risk HPV infection.

3. Colposcopy: When abnormalities are found through cervical cytology or HPV testing, a colposcopy is required. Colposcopy can more accurately identify suspicious lesion sites on the cervix, guiding subsequent tissue biopsies, and helping determine the nature and severity of the lesions.

4. Cervical Biopsy: A doctor takes a small tissue sample from the affected area for pathological examination. Cervical biopsy can confirm whether cervical lesions are cervical cancer and determine the exact type and degree of differentiation of the cervical cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, providing accurate evidence for subsequent treatment plans.

5. Endocervical Curettage: This procedure is primarily used to assess whether lesions exist within the cervical canal. In cases where cervical cytology results are abnormal but colposcopy does not reveal obvious lesions at the cervical os, or when cervical canal lesions are suspected, endocervical curettage can help detect hidden lesions within the cervical canal, making it an important method for diagnosing cervical cancer.

Regular screening is extremely important for the early detection of cervical cancer, especially for women with risk factors for cervical cancer. It is recommended that all eligible women follow their doctor's guidance and undergo regular cervical cancer screening.

View All

When should high-risk pregnant women begin evaluation of fetal well-being?

If high-risk factors are pre-existing medical conditions (such as hypertension or diabetes) or maternal age over 35, assessment usually begins around 12 weeks of gestation. At this time, fetal development can be evaluated via ultrasound, and hormone levels can be monitored through blood tests, allowing early detection of potential problems affecting fetal health and providing time for subsequent interventions.

View Full Answer

What does a gynecological cancer screening mainly check for?

Gynecological cancer screening includes human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, liquid-based thin-layer cytology, colposcopy, cervical biopsy, ultrasound examination, and others, which can detect early abnormalities associated with gynecological malignancies such as cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. If positive results are found or any symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for further diagnosis. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

View Full Answer

How long after the NT scan at 12 weeks should the next ultrasound be done?

For pregnant women with smooth pregnancy progression, normal NT results, and no other complications, the routine prenatal examination schedule includes a detailed anomaly scan via ultrasound between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation as a key assessment point. This examination allows comprehensive evaluation of fetal organ development and detection of structural abnormalities. At this stage, the fetus is of moderate size and amniotic fluid volume is adequate, enabling clear visualization of developmental details. This scan complements the earlier NT scan, together providing阶段性 monitoring throughout pregnancy.

View Full Answer

What should I do if a butterfly vertebra is detected during a four-dimensional ultrasound?

Butterfly vertebra is a relatively rare spinal developmental anomaly, typically referring to incomplete fusion of the middle portion of the vertebral body, resulting in a shape resembling butterfly wings. When a butterfly vertebra is detected during a four-dimensional examination, timely specialist consultation is required, along with further diagnostic tests, assessment of spinal development, formulation of an individualized intervention plan, and regular follow-up monitoring. If associated with other severe malformations, additional evaluation is necessary.