Gynecologic Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

Cervical cancer is diagnosed by having a pelvic exam and a Pap test.

• A pelvic exam is done to check a woman's vagina, uterus, bladder and rectum. The doctor feels these organs for any lumps or changes in their shape or size. To see the upper part of the vagina and the cervix, the doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina.

• A Pap test is when the doctor collects cells from the cervix and upper vagina. A medical laboratory checks for abnormal cells.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 1, 2007