|
The most common side effects of cone biopsy include cramping/discomfort and moderate or
mild bleeding for a few weeks after the procedure. Patients should avoid sexual
intercourse, tampons, and douching until the incision is completely healed, which may take
several weeks. Patients should also discuss other possible side effects of cone biopsy
prior to the procedure.
The advantages of cone biopsy are that it provides a large sample of tissue for
analysis and it can sometimes completely remove the cancer so the patient does not need
additional surgery. However, because complications from cone biopsy are possible, women
should discuss all aspects of the procedure with their physician before undergoing biopsy.
If a cone biopsy is recommended after abnormal Pap smear results, a patient may wish to
ask if a colposcopy (looking at the cervix with magnification) or cervical biopsy would be
an appropriate alternative for her (if they have not already been performed), based on her
individual case.
What Tests May Be Performed if Cancer is Suspected to Have Spread Past the Cervix?
If a biopsy has confirmed the presence of invasive cervical
cancer, physicians may perform a number of tests to determine whether the cancer has
spread (metastasized) past the cervix to other areas of the body. These tests may include:
- Cystoscopy: A small tube with a light on its tip is inserted through the urethra to
examine the urethra and bladder. Physicians may perform a biopsy on this tissue to
determine whether cancer cells are present.
- Proctoscopy: A small tube with a light on its tips is inserted through the rectum to
check for cancer. A biopsy of this tissue may be performed to confirm that the cervical
cancer has spread to the rectum.
- Pelvic examination: A thorough examination of the pelvis may be performed under general
anesthesia to determine whether cancer has spread past the cervix.
- CT scan: Also called CAT scan (computed tomography), this
exam combines the use of a digital computer together with a rotating x-ray device to
create detailed cross sectional images of an organ or body part. CT is useful in
determining whether cervical cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
- MRI scan: Also called MR scan (magnetic resonance), this
exam uses magnetic energy and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of an organ or
body part. MRI is useful in determining whether cervical cancer has spread to nearby
organs or lymph nodes.
- Intravenous urography: Also called a intravenous pyelogram or
IVP, this exam helps determine whether there are abnormalities in the urinary tract, which
may be caused by the spread of cervical cancer cells to the pelvic lymph nodes.
Updated: June 9, 2008
< Prev | 1 | 2
Return to Cervical Cancer Main Menu |
