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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Cancer of the Cervix

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of cancer of the cervix is done with a pelvic examination that includes a Pap smear. During a pelvic exam, the cervix, vagina, and vulva are checked for signs of changes. To do a Pap smear, a provider uses a small spatula and a brush to gently scrape cells from the cervix. These cells are sent to a lab for testing.

If abnormalities are found, the Pap smear may be repeated in 3 months. Alternately, the healthcare provider may do the following additional tests:

colposcopy, a procedure in which a special microscope allows the provider to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva

cervical biopsy, a procedure in which small tissue samples are taken from the cervix. This procedure is generally done in a healthcare provider's office.

cold cone biopsy, a procedure in which a large tissue sample is taken from the cervix. This procedure is normally done in an operating room under general anesthesia. The cone biopsy often removes all of the cancerous tissue.

Tissue that is removed for a cervical biopsy is examined under a microscope and used to determine the stage of the cancer. Following are the stages of cervical cancer:

stage 1, in which the tumor is in the uterus and cervix only

stage 2, in which the tumor has spread to the vagina

stage 3, in which the tumor has invaded the side wall of the pelvis

stage 4, in which the tumor has spread to the rectum, bladder, and distant organs

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