Various Ways to Detect Cervical Cancer Early

It is important to detect cervical cancer early to prevent the cancer from getting worse. Early detection can also be a follow-up examination to find out what type of cervical cancer stage you are suffering from.
Multiple Detection Methods Early Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the cervix. Infection human papillomavirus (HPV) and sexually transmitted infections account for the majority of cases of this cancer.
So that this condition does not develop and cause a fatal impact, early examination is something that is important to do. Several ways to detect cervical cancer, including:
1. Pap Smear
One of the tests to detect cancer is the pap smear. This test is done to detect the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix (cervix).
Once taken, the cells will be examined in the laboratory. After that, then it can be known whether these cells are normal, can develop into cancer, or have become cancerous.
Pap smears can be done from the age of 21 years. If the results are normal, the test can be repeated after 3 years.
Meanwhile, women aged 30-65 years can do this test every 5 years. However, couple this test with an HPV test.
2. HPV test
HPV infection is one of the causes of cervical cancer. When infected, the virus can survive for years in the body, then develop into cancer.
Now, the test performed to detect the presence of abnormal cells due to infection is the HPV test. Usually this test is recommended along with the pap smear.
If both test results are normal, you can wait about five years to do the next early detection of cervical cancer.
This method of detecting cervical cancer is recommended for women with an age range of 30-65 years. So, it is not recommended for women under 30 who have test results PAP smear normal.
3. Colposcopy
If PAP smear and the HPV test detects abnormal cells in the cervix, the doctor may recommend a colposcopy. This test aims to take a closer look at the condition of the cervix.
During the test, a fine tube is inserted into the vagina to open it. The doctor will then look at the patient’s vaginal condition using a microscope.
After that, samples from the cervix will be taken for examination in the laboratory. This action is known as a biopsy.
Also Read: Abstinence of Cervical Cancer Patients, from Food to Lifestyle
4. Endocervical curettage (ECC)
This examination is done if during the colposcope test there is a part of the cervix that cannot be reached. During this exam, a special instrument is used to ‘scrape’ the endocervix (the inside of the cervix). After being collected, the sample will then be examined further.
5. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (IVA)
Visual inspection of acetate (IVA) can be done to detect cervical cancer. . This examination is done by applying dilute acetic acid or vinegar (3-5 percent concentration) to the cervix (cervix).
After the liquid has been applied, wait for about a minute. If there are white spots, this can indicate the presence of dysplastic cells (early stages of cancer).
Conversely, if the results are normal, you can do a cancer screening test three years later.
6. Visual inspection of Lugolidodin (VILI)
The VILI examination, also known as the Schiller test, is almost the IVA method. This test allows a liquid to be applied directly to the cervix.
The difference is, in the VILI method, the liquid that is applied is Lugol’s iodine, not acetic acid. Examination with this method can be an alternative to early detection of cervical cancer besides the IVA method.
7. Cone Biopsy
Cone biopsies is one way to detect cervical cancer that can be done. Examination can be done if the results of the Pap smear test are not normal.
The doctor will take samples of the tissue around the cervix. The shape of the sample will resemble a cone (cones). After that, then the network is examined further.
8. Punch Biopsy
In this examination, the doctor will take tissue samples that are needed using a circular knife. This action can be done up to several times around the cervix.
The skin tissue that has been taken will then be examined in the laboratory to detect the presence of developing cancer cells.
In addition to screening for cervical cancer, punch biopsies It can also be done to detect other cancers such as skin and vulvar cancer.
Also Read: Cancer Immunotherapy: How it Works, Types, Benefits, and Side Effects
Cervical Cancer Staging Examination
If the results of the examination prove positive, there are several tests that need to be done to determine the stage of the cancer you are suffering from.
A series of tests aim to help adjust the type of treatment to be undertaken, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
Here are some tests to detect the stage of cervical cancer, including:
1. Pelvic examination
This examination is done to help determine the stage of cancer suffered. First of all, the patient will be given anesthesia. After that, the doctor will examine the abdomen, vagina, up to the bladder.
2. Blood Test
How to detect the next stage of cervical cancer is a blood test. The purpose of this test is to detect whether cancer cells have spread to the kidneys, liver and spinal cord.
3. Imaging Test
This test is done to detect whether the cancer has spread to the surrounding tissue or to other tissues outside the cervix.
A number of imaging tests may be performed, including:
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans.
- X-rays.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Tips to Prevent Cervical Cancer
In addition to early detection, there are several things that are important to note to prevent cervical cancer, including:
1. Do the Vaccination
HPV infection is one of the triggers for cervical cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that you get the HPV vaccine if you are sexually active.
There are more than 100 types of HPV, but the two most common causes of this disease are types 16 and 18. Vaccination will target these two types of HPV.
For those of you who live in Jakarta and want to get the HPV vaccine, you can visit the Farmaku pharmacy. For more info click HPV vaccine Farmaku Kelapa Gading Square Pharmacy.
2. Avoid Risky Sexual Relationships
If you have a sexually transmitted disease, the risk of being infected with the HPV virus is high. Therefore, avoid risky sexual relations.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking habits are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. The reason is, this habit can cause the body’s immune system to weaken so that it is more susceptible to the HPV virus.
4. Maintain Ideal Body Weight
How to prevent cervical cancer can be done by maintaining an ideal body weight. You can start exercising regularly and moving diligently so that your weight remains normal.
5. Consumption of Complete and Balanced Nutritious Foods
A healthy lifestyle is one way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and various other diseases. So, start implementing healthy habits by eating complete and balanced nutritious foods.
Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Instead, limit consumption of processed foods or foods that contain calories that are low in nutrients.
If you are still confused about the most appropriate preventive measures to take, it never hurts to consult a doctor.
- Anonymous. 2021. Cervical Cancer Screening and Early Detection. https://p2ptm.kemkes.go.id/infographic-p2ptm/iasis-kanker-dan-kelainan-darah/page/2/skrining-dan-deteksi-dini-kanker-leher-rahim. (Accessed 20 February 2023).
- Anonymous. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/human-papillomavirus-hpv-test/. (Accessed 20 February 2023).
- Anonymous. Recognize and Prevent Cervical Cancer. 2021. https://ners.unair.ac.id/site/lihat/read/2048/kenali-dan-prevent-kanker-serviks. (Accessed 20 February 2023).
- Anonymous. Punch Biopsy. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/punch-biopsy. (Accessed 20 February 2023).
- Anonymous. 2022. What Should I Know About Screening? cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm. (Accessed 20 February 2023).
- Anonymous. 2022. Cervical Cancer. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501. (Accessed 20 February 2023).
- Anonymous. 2022. PAP smear. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841. (Accessed 20 February 2023).
- Anonymous. 2022. PAP smear. https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/pap-smear. (Accessed 20 February 2023).
DoctorHealthy | © 2023 PT Media Kesehatan Indonesia. Copyright Protected