Procedures that your doctor may perform to detect whether or not you have cancer:
- Biopsy
- This involves the removal by surgery of a sample of body tissue for examination under the microscope. Microscopic examination is the only way to tell if cancer cells are present.
- Ultrasound
- This procedure uses high frequency sound waves to produce images on a screen. It helps the doctor to see internal organs which do not show up on an X-ray.
- Internal Pelvic Examination
- With this kind of examination your doctor will feel for any lumps or changes in the shape of your pelvic organs, for example in your womb (uterus).
- Cervical Smear (Pap Smear)
- The smear test is a very simple procedure taking less than five minutes.
It can be slightly uncomfortable but it is not painful. This is a microscopic examination in which a sample of cells is taken from the neck of the womb. These cells are then examined under a microscope to check for the presence of cells that could, if left, change to cancer. A cervical smear can detect the disease at a completely curable stage. - Dilation and Curettage
- Similar to the one above except the cervix is stretched open and the sample of tissue is taken from the lining of your uterus by means of a small spooned shaped instrument. You would always be put asleep for this examination. This tissue is then also checked under a microscope for cancer cells.
- Mammogram
- This is a low dose x-ray of the breast. It can find changes too small to be fel even by a trained examiner. Results will not show whether a lump is cancerous or not, only a biopsy can do that. It is recommended that women over 50, or who have a family history of breast cancer, should discuss with their doctor whether they should be referred for a mammogram.
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