Treatment for Cervical Cancer

In contrast to CIN, cervical cancer represents true invasion of cells beyond the epithelium into surrounding tissue. Cervical cancer may be detected in a biopsy performed during colposcopy for an abnormal Pap smear, or it may be visible to the naked eye when the doctor performs a speculum exam.

Imaging Tests to Determine Extent of Tumor Spread. If invasive cancer is detected on biopsy, additional tests are performed to determine the tumor spread. The extent of the spread determines whether the cancer is operable.

• An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan is commonly used to check for spread of the disease to lymph nodes and areas around the pelvic area.

CT stands for computerized tomography. In this procedure, a thin x-ray beam is rotated around the area of the body to be visualized. Using very complicated mathematical processes called algorithms, the computer is able to generate a 3-D image of a section through the body. CT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information for the doctor.

• To find out if cancer has spread to areas around the uterus, other procedures are used. X-ray images are taken of the bladder and urinary system (known as intravenous pyelography or IVP) or of the lower intestinal tract (known as a barium enema).

Click the icon to see an image of intravenous pyelography.

Click the icon to see an image of a barium enema.

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If these tests detect cancer in any of these surrounding sites, then further tests are used:

• Cystoscopy is performed to examine and take tissue from the bladder for biopsy.

Click the icon to see an image of cystoscopy.

• Sigmoidoscopy is used to evaluate the rectum. (Both this procedure and a cystoscopy involve the insertion of a tube with a lighting device for viewing and manipulating the internal areas.)

Click the icon to see an image of sigmoidoscopy.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive and noninvasive procedure that is occasionally useful for locating the presence of tumors in the tissues surrounding the uterus.

Click the icon to see an image of a MRI.