Diagnosis, investigations and tests

Your medical team may request some of the following tests and investigations:

 

Colposcopy –A specialist doctor or nurse will use a microscope called a colposcope to take a closer look at your cervix. This will be done in an outpatients clinic and usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. During the colposcopy a biopsy may also be taken, so that scientists can look at cells from your cervix under a microscope. You can learn more about a colposcopy on the Macmillan website (opens in a new tab).

 

Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) – This may be done at the same time as your colposcopy or you might be asked to come back. You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the cervix before a sample of tissue is removed using a looped specialist wire. This procedure takes around 15 minutes. Visit the Macmillan website (opens in a new tab) for more information about this procedure.

 

Needle excision of transformation zone (NETZ) – Similar to a LLETZ, but uses a straight wire instead of a loop.

 

CT scan - CT scans take pictures of your body. If cervical cancer is suspected you will have an abdomen and pelvis CT. This normally takes around 10 minutes. Learn more about CT scans.

 

MRI scan - MRI uses magnestism and radio waves to create a cross sectional picture of the body. You will have an MRI scan to see if your cancer has spread. The scan itself normally takes around 45 minutes to one hour. Find out more about MRI scans.

 

PET scan – Position emission tomography (PET) scans produce detailed three-dimensional images of inside the body. The images can clearly show the part of the body being investigated, including any abnormal areas, and can highlight the possible affected areas. Discover more about PET scans.