How Cervical Cancer Is Diagnosed: Pap Smear, HPV Test & Biopsy

oncare team
Updated on Jul 21, 2025 16:29 IST

By Raveena M Prakash

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer when detected in early stages. The early stage of cervical cancer generally doesn't show any specific signs or symptoms. That’s why cervical cancer diagnosis tests are considered crucial. Some of these tests may include Pap smears, HPV tests, and biopsies to perform on suspected patients. 

In this article, we’ll look into the various tests used for the diagnosis and its key highlights and why they matter!

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

A regular cervical cancer screening with a Pap test can detect most cases of cervical carcinoma. One of the major goals of this cancer screening is to detect cell changes on the cervix before they become cancerous cells.

Pap smears involve observing the cells from the cervix at the microscope. These cells are examined for any signs of precancerous or other irregularities. When the Pap test result comes back as abnormal, then the patient might be advised to undergo further testing. Further testing normally includes an HPV test, which is a test that often checks the cells of the cervix. However, the HPV strains are most likely to cause cancer.

1. Pap smear tests

A Pap smear test, also referred to as a Pap test, is a medical procedure that involves collecting cells from the cervix for testing under the microscope. It is also known as cervical cytology. The main goal of performing these tests is to check for the presence of precancerous cells in the cervix or any major cancerous changes.

Key highlights:

  • This test is typically performed during a pelvic examination.
  • Doctors usually recommend getting this test every 3 years for women in the age group between 21 and 65.
  • These tests are usually performed to detect any abnormal cells before any major cells appear in patients.
  • These tests are generally quick and minimally uncomfortable for patients.

Why it matters

Pap smear tests do not directly diagnose this type of cancer, but they identify any major changes or abnormalities that, if left untreated, could potentially develop into full-fledged cervical cancer.

2. HPV tests

HPV tests, also known as human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, help to screen and diagnose the virus that causes cancer in suspected or high-risk people. An HPV test checks for the presence of high-risk strains developed in the cervical cells.

Key highlights:

  • An HPV test is often performed along with Pap smear testing.
  • It helps to identify specific high-risk HPV types such as HPV 16 and 18.
  • This test is especially recommended for women over the age of 30 or people with abnormal Pap results.

3. Colposcopy

The colposcopy is a physical exam that is used to help look closely at the cervix. A healthcare provider generally uses an instrument called a colposcope to perform this examination. The main goal of this test is to analyze the vagina and vulva. 

What’s happened during the procedure: 

  • The cervix is often examined under magnification.
  • In this test, a doctor applied a vinegar solution to analyze and highlight any abnormal areas of the cervix.
  • This procedure typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and generally causes mild discomfort in patients.

4. Cervical biopsy

A cervical biopsy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove a small amount of tissue from the cervix. A cervical biopsy is usually performed after an abnormality has been found during any regular pelvic examination or Pap smear test. Some of these abnormalities can include the presence of human papillomavirus or cells that are precancerous. It is the only way to determine and confirm the presence of cervical cancer diagnosis. 

What’s to expect during the procedure:

  • It might cause cramping or light bleeding in patients.
  • Recovery is quick, with results available in a few days.

5. Imaging and staging tests

If a cervical biopsy confirms the cancer in a suspected patient, additional tests may be performed to determine the patient’s current stage and its spread. 

Here are some of the tests that may be used for further testing:

  • Pelvic exam under anesthesia: It’s a medical procedure where a gynecological examination is performed on a patient while they are under anesthesia. A pelvic exam typically used for cancer staging and planning. 
  • MRIs: These procedures are usually preferred for assessing the extent of local tumor and parametrial invasion in a patient. 
  • CT scan: This procedure is often used for assessing the size of the tumor and its location, especially connected to the bone structures. 
  • PET/CTscan: These scans are highly sensitive in detecting the lymph node metastasis and distant spreads in a patient. due to their ability to identify any metabolically active cancer cells. 
  • Chest X-ray: If cervical cancer is suspected to an advanced stage or other parts, then the chest X-ray is performed to check any lung involvement in patients. 
  • Cystoscopy: This procedure is usually performed to analyze the bladder and urethral involvement in patients. 
  • Proctoscopy (if advanced stage is suspected): This medical procedure is usually performed to analyze the spread of cancer into the rectum. Proctoscopy is also known as rigid sigmoidoscopy.

Your oncology team helps create a more personalized treatment plan according to your health condition.

When should you get tested?

Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in screening diseases such as cancer. Ideally, cervical cancer screening should begin at the age of 21 with a Pap test, and these tests will follow regularly in the suspected cancer patients. These screenings are even performed if the patient has taken an HPV vaccine. Most cervical cancers are found in women between the ages of 35 and 44. 

It’s highly crucial to start screening and perform regular checkups to reduce the risk of this cancer; these screenings are often recommended by the healthcare practitioner.

Here are some of the guidelines followed by the health practitioner. 

These may include:

Healthcare providers usually start pap tests usually at the age of 21. 

  • Ages 21-29: Women in these age groups are recommended to get these tests every 3 years. 
  • Ages 30-65: Women in these age groups are recommended to get the Pap test and HPV test every 5 years. Doctors advise getting Pap tests performed alone every 3 years.
  • After 65: Doctors might stop performing screening tests if previous results show normal.

Consult Today

The cervical cancer diagnosis involves a powerful step-by-step approach. The diagnosis usually starts with performing a Pap smear and HPV test. Additionally, they are often followed by a biopsy if needed. All of these tools are not just diagnostic tools but are indeed powerful and lifesaving. 

At Oncare, we offer quality treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation. 

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialists today! Don’t wait any longer and get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!

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