Vaginal Cancer Diagnosis
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Diagnosing Vaginal Cancer
In order to diagnose vaginal cancer, your doctor may do a combination of tests. First, he or she will likely perform a pelvic exam. During this exam, the doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the vagina to feel for any nodes or lumps. At this time, the doctor will likely perform a Pap smear in which a small swab is used to scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. This sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
Depending on the results of the pap smear, your doctor may take a biopsy. This may be done in conjunction with a procedure called a colposcope. During this procedure, your doctor will insert a lighted instrument in order to clearly view the cervix and vagina for abnormalities. Your doctor may follow up a biopsy and colposcope with other imaging studies such as a CT scan, MRI or PET scan.
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