Cancer Insurance
There are varieties of diagnostic tests to detect the cervical cancer. Diagnostic tests are very important for treating cancer. According to the stage of cancer doctors can give treatment to the patient. There are Pap test, colposcopy, biopsy, physical check up, Lugol's solution or Schiller's solution and molecular test to detect cervical cancer. All the tests are described below.
PAP test or PAP smear test
- Every woman should have Pap test after initial three years of sexual contact and should be repeated it after every one or three years.
- In Pap test, cells from the cervix is collected and observed under microscope to study the characteristics of cells.
- Pep test is useful to find out the difference between normal cells and cancerous cells.
- In Pap test all the stages of cervical cancer can be identified.
- A woman, who is really worried about her health, does regular Pap test. In such condition cervical cancer can be identified at early stage and if she is positive for cervical cancer then definitely it can be cured completely.
Colposcopy
- Colposcopy is a test to diagnose cervical cancer. It is used to study uterus, vagina and external genital.
- Most of the doctors use colposcopy test if patient shows some unexpected results in Pap test.
- In this test we can study the details with magnified view regarding abnormal structure and stage of cancerous cells in a particular organ
- In colposcopy, colposcope instrument is used to observe organs closely.
- If any abnormality seen then some cells or tissues can taken outside for further study
Biopsy:
Biopsy is a test used to detect cervical cancer diseases. In this test some part of tumor or entire tumor is used to study. Cells observed under the microscope by a person who has deep knowledge of organs and tissues called pathologist.
Lugol's solution or Schiller's solution
This test can make the difference between normal and abnormal cells. It is not that much specific like Pap or colposcopy test but it is very fast and easy to detect. Lugol's solution is concentrated solution of iodine. Normal cells absorb more iodine and become brown and abnormal cells don't absorb iodine and remains colorless. Schiller's solution is solution of iodine, distilled water and potassium iodide. Use and function of this solution is same as Lugol's solution.
Molecular test
This test is preferred to detect infection of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). In molecular test, DNA or genetic material of HPV is identified in abnormal cells. If cells infected by the virus are detected then immediately next treatment and tests are advised to a patient. Some virus from HPV family can induce cancer but not all therefore, every HPV positive patient may or may not develop cancer.
Physical Examination
This test not reliable for cancer but sometime some abnormal symptoms can be seen outside. In this condition physical check up can help for further treatment. In regular check up, doctor can examine cervix and vagina and observe whether there is any abnormal growth or changes are not. If doctor identified anything abnormal i.e. secretion or growth then immediately can advice to the patient for Pap or colposcopy test.
