Diagnostic Tests

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken from the body to look for signs of disease like cancer. In gynecologic cancers, a biopsy involves removing a tiny piece of tissue from areas such as the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or vulva. This sample is then examined under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present. The procedure may be done in a doctor’s office or hospital, depending on the area being tested. Sometimes a thin needle is used, while other times a small surgical tool is needed to collect the sample. A biopsy may be used to diagnose cervical, ovarian, uterine, or vulvar cancer. Sometimes endometrial cancer is suspected based on an abnormal ultrasound or MRI finding, but a biopsy must be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC) and comprehensive Metabolic Panel: These blood tests check for overall health, including your blood count and kidney function. They can help your doctor understand if you’re able to handle surgery or chemotherapy and may reveal if you need a blood transfusion. They may also help predict your ability to recover.

Tumor Markers (such as CA-125, CEA, CA 19-9, CA 27-29): These blood tests measure certain proteins in your blood that can indicate cancer. However, high levels don’t always mean cancer, as some cancers do not elevate these markers. These tests may also help determine whether the cancer is coming from other parts of the body.

Chest X-ray
A basic imaging test that looks for signs of cancer in the chest or lungs. This may be done to see if a gynecologic cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

CT or CAT Scan (also known as Computed Tomography, Computerized Tomography, or Computerized Axial Tomography)
A CT scan takes detailed X-ray pictures of the inside of your body. You may need to drink or have an injection of dye, which helps show certain organs or structures more clearly. This test is often used to check if cancer has spread. This scan may be used to diagnose cervical or vaginal cancer.

Cystoscopy
An outpatient procedure that uses a small, lighted camera (cystoscope) to look inside the bladder. This test is recommended if there’s a concern that cancer may involve the bladder. Small tissue samples, or biopsies, can be taken during this procedure. This procedure can be associated with a cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer diagnosis.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
A procedure done with a hysteroscopy, which involves using a small camera to see inside the uterus. This helps the doctor check for abnormal growths or take tissue samples from the uterine lining.

Exam Under Anesthesia
This is a thorough examination done while you’re under sedation to make it more comfortable. It may be recommended if an in-office exam is too painful or if a deeper exam is needed. Other procedures, such as cystoscopy and proctoscopy, may be done at the same time.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves to create images of the body’s organs and tissues. It doesn’t involve radiation, making it a good option for detailed imaging of soft tissues. This test helps doctors understand where cancer might be located.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
In a PET scan, a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. This scan helps detect areas where the cells are more active, which may indicate cancer, as cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells. This scan may be used to diagnose cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer.

Proctoscopy
An outpatient procedure that uses a small, lighted camera to examine the rectum and anal canal. This test is useful if there’s a concern that cancer has spread from the cervix to the rectal area. This procedure may be associated with a vaginal cancer diagnosis.

Rectovaginal Exam
A simple pelvic exam where the doctor checks the vagina and rectum at the same time. This can help the doctor feel if cervical cancer has spread beyond the cervix.

Stress Test, Echocardiogram, and Pulmonary Function Tests
These tests are done to check the health of your heart and lungs before surgery, especially if you have abnormal results on a chest X-ray or EKG, or if you’ve had symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.

Ultrasound (U/S)
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It can help your doctor see a mass, cyst, or tumor. Sometimes, an ultrasound is all that’s needed before surgery if there’s no concern that the cancer has spread. An ultrasound may be used to determine the size of your uterus or to evaluate whether an existing tumor has spread to other parts of your body. An ultrasound may be used to diagnose ovarian or uterine cancer.