Self-exam method for cervical cancer

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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There aren't many methods for self-examination of cervical cancer. If symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or discharge occur, it is crucial to visit a hospital for a gynecological examination promptly. Of course, the diagnosis of cervical cancer should still rely on the examination by specialist doctors at hospitals. There are cytological examinations of cervical scrapings available, as well as examinations of cervical and endocervical tissue to confirm whether it is cervical cancer or not. Particularly, the examination of cervical and endocervical tissue is the main basis for confirming cervical cancer. Therefore, we should still undertake pathological examinations to confirm whether it is cervical cancer or not, rather than relying solely on self-examination to diagnose cervical cancer.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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What is cervical cancer?

Cervical erosion is one of the most common malignant gynecological tumors, belonging to a type of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer itself is a significant branch within this category, and both the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are relatively high in our country. However, recent advances in medical science have led to a noticeable decline. Cervical cancer is associated with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, as well as with early childbirth, multiple pregnancies, and smoking. The definitive diagnosis of cervical cancer relies on the examination of cervical and endocervical canal live tissues, colposcopic biopsy, or cervical scrape cytology. Typically, after CT, MRI, or other imaging studies, a mass may be detected. Possible symptoms of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is cervical cancer checked?

Cervical cancer screening begins with testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) and a cervical cytology smear test. If abnormalities are found in these tests, a colposcopy examination is needed. Under colposcopy, suspicious cancerous areas are selected for a cervical biopsy, and the cervical tissue is sent for pathological sections. Based on the results of the pathology sections, it is determined whether the condition is a precancerous lesion of the cervix or cervical cancer. If cervical cancer is present, a clinical doctor must perform a gynecological internal examination to determine the stage of the cervical cancer, and then choose a treatment plan.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Cervical cancer screening

For the examination of cervical cancer, it should be based on medical history and clinical manifestations, especially for people with contact vaginal bleeding, a detailed general examination and gynecological examination should be conducted, and an examination of cervical biopsy tissue is needed for diagnosis. What specific examinations are there? There are cervical scrape cytology tests, iodine tests, colposcopy, examination of cervical and cervical canal tissue, as well as post-surgical cervical conization, and examination of postoperative specimens. Therefore, there are indeed many examinations, including some radiological assessments such as enhanced CT, PADCT, MRI, and other such tests.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Cervical cancer indicators

The main indicators of cervical cancer are still the examination of the cervix and cervical canal tissues. There are obvious cancerous changes, and under the microscope pathological sections can show tendencies of cell carcinogenesis, or already developed cancer. The second is the cytological examination of cervical scrapings, which detects the presence of cancer cells. The third is the iodine test, where areas that do not stain after iodine staining indicate a lack of glycogen in the epithelium, suggesting possible lesions. The fourth is colposcopy, which may reveal suspicious cancerous areas, allowing for biopsy to confirm cancer cells. The fifth includes ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc., which can detect mass occupying lesions, all of which are indicators of cervical cancer. Of course, abnormalities in tumor markers are also considered, but the main reliance is still on the indicators from pathological examinations to determine if it's cervical cancer.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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How is cervical cancer treated?

The principle of treating cervical cancer is mainly through surgery and radiotherapy, supplemented by chemotherapy in a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment should be based on clinical staging, age, overall condition, and a combination of technical level and equipment conditions to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. It emphasizes the individualization of treatment and the importance of initial treatment. Not everyone will have the same treatment plan; it should vary from person to person, with specific issues analyzed individually. Surgical options include extensive hysterectomy and extensive cervical resection. If cervical cancer is staged late, it should also be treated with radiotherapy, supplemented by chemotherapy. Nowadays, there are also targeted medications and immunotherapies to consider as part of the treatment options.