Early diagnosis of cancer of the cervix of the uterus is accomplished by a pap smear (papanicolaou test).
A few cells are removed from the part of the vagina surrounding the cervix and the cervix itself and examined microscopically.
Malignant cells have a characteristic appearance and indicate an early stage of cancer, even before symptoms occur.
Females at risk of developing cancer of the uterus should undergo annual gynecological examinations that include a pap smear.
Females with a history of normal pap smears and no risk factors probably should have a gynecological examination and pap smear every two to three years until age 50 and annually thereafter.
In all cases, the decision as to how often the test should be done should be made by a physician in consultation with the patient.
In endocervical curettage, the cervix is dilated and the endometrium of the uterus is scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.
This procedure is commonly called a D and C (dilation and curettage).
If cancer has spread beyond the uterine lining, treatment may involve removal of the uterus, called a hysterectomy (hyster = uterus), or radiation treatment.
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