This article is about the available test in diagnosing cervical cancer. Information on the importance of the test, types of test available and other pertinent information on cervical cancer. The use of a colpomicroscope or better known as colposcope is also discussed in this article.

An abnormal smear or discharge of the vagina is among the symptoms in which among other things maybe caused by cervical cancer. The doctor will suggest for further testing based on the findings of other test that will support earlier test. Although abnormal smear is one of the symptoms of cervical cancer this is not always the case, a large majority of women having abnormal discharge this may also be a sign of less severe case, such as tear in the vagina wall. Other causes of vagina bleeding are enumerated in this article such as; in between periods, after or during sexual intercourse, and a female may experience abnormal smear usually after past her menopause. It is advised though as most of these conditions may not be cervical cancer related it is still best to seek medical examination at the earliest possible time. An early detection of cervical cancer has a higher chance of success when treated at its earliest stage.

Two of the most common test for cervical cancers is colposcopy and cone biopsy. These two tests are not limited to cervical cancer test but also abnormalities or detecting signs of other irregularities in the cervix region.

Colposcopy is the examination using a colpomicroscope in examining skin-like covering of the cervix. A colpomicroscope is an electric microscope coupled with an articulating arm and is usually mobile apparatus that has the ability to magnify nth times more than the naked eye can see. The colpomicroscope or more commonly know as a colposcope is one of the key of a successful diagnosis and therapy. A colpomicroscope allows the doctor to recognize abnormalities in the genital area.

More information on colposcopy procedure is discussed in this article including concerns, actual test procedure and what to expect in a colposcopy examination.
Cone biopsy is usually done after an examination and it is classified under minor operation. A cone biopsy took its name because of the procedure of the operation; wherein the doctor cuts out a cone of tissue from the cervix of the female. This cone which includes the area of the cervical canal where there is a suspected abnormal cell. This tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination, usually done by a pathologist. Although a minor operation a female who undergoes cone biopsy will be treated usually under a general anesthesia and may require an overnight stay in the hospital for monitoring.
More on cone biopsy is discussed in this article; the treatment itself and what to expect after treatment.
Although it is perfectly safe for a pregnant woman to undergo colposcopy a cone biopsy will not be suggested by the doctor unless there is a high degree of certainty the doctor suspects a cervical cancer is present. As pointed out in this article a cone biopsy runs the risk of miscarriage to a pregnant woman due to the weakening of the cervix when undergoing cone biopsy.Original article