Diagnosing Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer may be suspected if a woman is experiencing the symptoms of vaginal cancer or if a Pap smear results indicated the disease. It may also have been suspected after a pelvic exam.

How is Vaginal Cancer Diagnosed?

Physical Exam A medical history is taken by the doctor. Here the patient discloses any symptoms, medications, and family medical history that may be useful.

Pelvic Exam During a pelvic exam, the doctor will look and feel for abnormalities. During a pelvic exam, a Pap smear is routinely performed.

Colposcopy A colposcopy may be done if the Pap indicated abnormal results or if the doctor saw something that appeared to be abnormal during the Pap smear.

Biopsy During a biopsy, small tissue samples are taken and then examined by a pathologist. A biopsy is commonly done during a colposcopy. A local anesthetic is used to ease discomfort and pain.

If vaginal cancer is confirmed, several more tests will be done to determine what stage the disease has progressed to.



_{Source:
National Cancer Institute. Vaginal Cancer (PDQ®): Treatment; 09/15/05
American Cancer Society. Vaginal Cancer Detailed Guide; How is Vaginal Cancer Diagnosed?}