Cancer specialists at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center are highly experienced in using the most advanced techniques for diagnosing cervical cancer and are actively researching better and more precise ways to detect cervical cancer.
Diagnosing cervical cancer
Women who have signs and symptoms of cervical cancer or women who have had an abnormal Pap test result or HPV test may need further diagnostic testing such as a colposcopy-directed biopsy.
Colposcopy-directed biopsy
If a Pap test shows pre-cancerous cells, our physicians take further steps to diagnose the actual abnormality. Colposcopy is usually performed to examine the cervix and help guide biopsy of abnormal appearing areas.
During a colposcopy procedure, the cervix and vagina are gently swabbed with dilute vinegar, or acetic acid, to remove the mucus that covers the surface and highlight abnormal areas. Images may be captured as a reference to show pre-cancerous cells. A biopsy, or small sample of the tissue, is taken from any areas that appear abnormal. Many samples may be taken, depending on the size and location of the area. This procedure may be the only treatment needed, but patients will need regular follow-up visits with their physician.