The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, which connects to the vagina, and cancer occurring in this part is called cervical cancer. Several steps are involved in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. As per many guidelines, it is advisable to start screening for this condition at 21. Let’s take a look at the various tools and tests used to diagnose cervical cancer.

Screening
Different tests can be performed to detect precancerous cells or cervical cancer successfully. The two kinds of tests available for screening are mentioned below:

1. Pap test
In this method, the doctor scrapes some cells from the cervix and examines them. The advanced Pap test method also employs the liquid-based cytology test, wherein blood and mucus are removed, and the cells are neatly transferred onto a slide for testing. This test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix. The test also looks for cancerous cells and cells that show changes, which might cause cervical cancer in the future.

2. HPV DNA test
This test is usually done with the Pap test or after its test results show abnormal changes in the cells. A previous stint with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is found to increase the risk of cervical cancer. In this type of testing, cells from the cervix are tested for HPV.

Diagnosis
Once cervical cancer is suspected, the doctor might suggest a thorough examination of your cervix. Some of the tools and tests used to diagnose cervical cancer are mentioned below:

1. Colposcopy
This is a type of examination that involves the use of a special magnifying instrument known as a colposcope. The device is used to examine the cervix thoroughly. It helps the doctor detect any abnormal cells.

2. Biopsy
If the doctor detects abnormal cells during colposcopy, biopsies are performed to diagnose cervical cancer. Tools are used to obtain tissue from your cervix. Such methods include the following:

• Punch biopsy
  In this, a sharp tool is used to pinch off some of the cervical tissue.

• Endocervical curettage
  This method either involves a curet, a small spoon-shaped instrument, or a thin brush.  Both are useful to scrape tissue from the cervix. If test results from the above methods show any problem, further biopsies are performed to diagnose cervical cancer.
• Cone biopsy
  In this process, the doctor uses a surgical scalpel to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. It is performed in a hospital when the patient is under general anesthesia.

• LEEP
  In this method, a thin, low-voltage electrical wire loop is used to remove cervical tissue, which is later sent for tests.

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
  Cancer cells from a primary tumor are most likely to spread to sentinel lymph nodes. Hence, through this biopsy, sentinel lymph nodes are identified, removed, and examined to check if cancer has spread beyond the cervix.