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- A gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the female reproductive system) will conduct a complete medical history and perform a physical and pelvic examination. During the pelvic examination, the doctor feels for any lumps or changes in the shape of the uterus that may indicate a problem.
- Diagnosis of gynecological cancers may or may not involve these diagnostic tests:
- Pap test: Pap test, or Pap smear, involves the doctor taking a sample of cells from the cervix, the lower, narrower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Doctors mainly use the Pap test to detect changes in cervical cells and to detect cervical cancer.
- Endometrial biopsy: Endometrial biopsy is usually performed in a doctor's office. Endometrial biopsy involves inserting a narrow tube into the uterus through the vagina and removing a small amount of tissue from the uterine wall. This tissue is tested in a lab for cancerous or precancerous cells. The procedure usually takes just a few minutes and is painless.
- Dilatation and curettage (D & C): A dilatation and curettage (D & C) involves dilating (widening) the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and inserting an instrument to scrape or suction the uterine wall and collect tissue. D & C is also an outpatient procedure. It takes about an hour and usually requires general anesthesia.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests are used in patients with certain medical conditions such as severe high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or cancer. These patients may not be able to safely have anesthesia. In these patients, imaging tests such as a magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) scan, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or ultrasound may help diagnose cancer of the uterus.
- If gynecological cancer is found,
more tests to determine if the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body will be performed (termed "staging"). These tests may include a chest X-ray, a computerized tomography (CT) scan, and a blood test to measure cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), a substance that's released in the bloodstream by some endometrial and ovarian cancers.
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