Diagnosis, investigations and tests

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

 

Vulvoscopy – This is an examination of the vulva using a magnified camera and it may involve application of dye to show any abnormality. The procedure may also involve a small piece of tissue being removed from the area of concern as a biopsy. This will be sent to a laboratory to be examined. The procedure normally takes around 20 to 30 minutes and is done under a local anaesthetic.

 

MRI scan - MRI uses strong magnetic fields 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.

 

CT scan – CT scans take pictures of your body. This normally takes around 10 minutes. Find out more about CT scans.

 

PETS scan – Positron emission tomography (PET) scans produce detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. The images clearly show the part of the body being investigated, including abnormal areas, and can highlight how well certain functions of the body are working. Discover more about PET scans.