Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
Find out more about the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cervical cancer

It is absolutely crucial to catch cervical cancer in its early stages, as it has a 92 percent survival rate for those who get treatment early. However, cervical cancer may have few or no symptoms in its early stages. This means women should receive regular pelvic examination and Pap smears to ensure early detection of cervical cancer before it develops into more serious, harmful stages.
Cells in the cervix may undergo abnormal or precancerous changes before developing full-blown cervical cancer. These changes may cause only mild symptoms, the most common being abnormal vaginal bleeding, or bleeding that occurs outside of your menstrual cycle. You might also experience spotting or light bleeding that occurs between normal menstrual periods. In some women with early cervical cancer, menstrual bleeding may be heavier or last longer than usual. Any unexplained changes in your menstrual cycle can indicate possible precancerous or cancerous cervical cells.
Abnormal bleeding also may occur when something comes in contact with the cervix, such as during sexual intercourse. If you notice bleeding when you insert a diaphragm or contraceptive sponge, it may be an indication of cervical cancer.
Discharge containing bloody mucus may also be associated with cervical cancer. In menopausal women, increased vaginal discharge or bleeding may be a symptom as well.
In more advanced stages of cervical cancer, you may experience ongoing pelvic, leg or back pain, anemia (low number of red blood cells) due to abnormal bleeding, and urinary problems due to blockage of the ureter or kidneys. Additionally, in advanced cervical cancer, some women may notice a leakage of urine or fecal matter into the vagina. This may occur because a fistula, or opening, has developed between the vagina and the bladder or rectum. As the cancer progresses, women may experience fatigue, a reduced appetite and unexplained weight loss. Keep in mind that some of these symptoms could also indicate other, less serious medical conditions as well.
Diagnosing cervical cancer
A visit to your gynecologist is the first step if you are experiencing symptoms associated with cervical cancer. Your gynecologist will review your symptoms and any concerns you may have about your gynecological health and complete a thorough pelvic examination.
In the pelvic exam, the physician will use an instrument called a speculum to hold open the walls of the vagina to inspect your cervix and vagina for signs of discharge, bleeding or other irregularities. A Pap test is also implemented—this is a relatively quick, painless procedure in which the physician uses a swab or brush to obtain a sample of mucus and cells from the surface of the cervix. Once the sample is obtained, it is placed on a slide and sent to a laboratory for analysis.