Diagnosis
Cervical cancer and pre-cancer can be detected through screening tests. Our team of clinicians and pathologists at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center are recognized as national experts in diagnosing and evaluating gynecological cancers. At our specialized Pap Smear Evaluation Center, our experts analyze hundreds of Pap tests each month for precancerous disease, with the goal of improved early detection and treatment of cervical cancer. With a large database of samples collected since 2006, we are leaders in research, setting best practice and quality improvement guidelines nationally.
- Pap test: A Pap test involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and having them examined by a pathologist. If you have any abnormal cells, your doctor may order one or more additional follow-up tests.
- Colposcopy: This is a procedure to check the cervix for abnormalities using an instrument with a magnifying lens, called a colposcope. If any abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will take a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, to examine the tissue further.
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): This procedure uses a thin wire loop heated with electric current to take a sample of cervical tissue for examination in the lab. This procedure is usually done with local anesthesia in your doctor’s office.
- Cone biopsy: A cone biopsy may be done if a diagnosis cannot be determined after a colposcopy. During this procedure, your doctor will remove a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue for further examination. A cone biopsy may be used to diagnose cervical cancer, or to treat or remove precancerous or early cancerous tissue.
Learn more about how we diagnose cervical cancer.
Stages of Cervical Cancer
After being diagnosed with cervical cancer, our pathology team will determine the stage of your cancer. Staging your cancer involves determining the size of the tumor and how far it has spread in your body. Knowing the stage of your cancer will help your health care team decide how best to treat it, including whether your cancer can be removed (resected) with surgery. You may need additional tests to help our team assign a stage to your cancer.
The stages of cervical cancer are:
- Stage 0 (also called carcinoma in situ or dysplasia): Abnormal cells are growing in the lining of the cervix. These cells are precancerous and can either go away on their own or become cancer. Treating precancerous cells prevents them from spreading and becoming cancer.
- Stage I: The cancer is in the cervix only.
- Stage II: The cancer has spread to the tissue around the uterus or parts of the vagina. The cancer has not spread to the pelvic wall.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread to most of the vagina and possibly the pelvic wall or lymph nodes. The cancer may be interfering with kidney function.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread to the vulva or urethra, bladder, and rectum. It may also have spread to other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, lungs, liver, abdomen, or intestinal tract.
Learn more about the stages of cervical cancer.
