Other diagnostic Procedures
Conization
Doctors may perform a conization to detect the possible existence of cervical cancer. This procedure is also called a cone biopsy because it involves removing a piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal that is cone-shaped or cylindrical. The surgery is performed while a patient is under general anesthetic. The doctor uses a scalpel called a cold-knife conization, a laser or a device called an electrosurgical wire loop to remove the cervical tissue. The normal thickness of the piece of tissue removed is approximately 1 centimeter although a thicker piece may be removed.
Endocervical Curettage
Endocervical curettage is yet another procedure used to diagnose cervical cancer. Under local anesthetic, the lining of the cervical canal will be scaped to examine the existence of any cancer cells. A narrow instrument called a curette is used for this purpose. It is shaped like a scoop or a spoon. This instrument is inserted into the passage located between the outer cervix and the inner uterus to remove cervical cells.
Liquid based cytology tests
Liquid based tests are performed by using a special gentle brush to collect cells from the cervix. Samples are then sent to a lab for examination in a liquid. Cells are examined on a glass slide under a microscope.
LLETZ
Large loop excision of the transformation zone is used to remove cells that are marked abnormal using a microscope. It is also reffered to as LEEP, which is an abbreviation for loop electrosurgical excision procedure. After application of local anesthesia a thin wire is used to remove cells. The zone with abnormal cells is called Transformational Zone.
Resources/Links:
http://www.oncologychannel.com/cervicalcancer/diagnosis.shtml
http://health.discovery.com/centers/womens/cervicalcancer/ccdiagnosis.html
This page was last updated:
April 22, 2006
It is not the intention of Cervicalcancer.org to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and Cervicalcancer.org urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.