Your GP may perform some initial tests:

• a physical check-up including an abdominal and pelvic examination
• a cervical co-test.

The cervical co-test is taken in the same way as a Cervical Screening Test (CST) or the older Pap smear test. However, the sample taken is tested in a different way at the laboratory:

• The Cervical Screening Test looks for human papilloma virus (HPV) infection which can cause cervical cancer. It only tests for abnormal cells in the cervix if certain high-risk types of HPV are found.
• The co-test checks for both the HPV virus and any abnormal cells in the cervix.

Depending on the co-test result, your GP may refer you to see a gynaecologist for a colposcopy.

One of the key tests for diagnosing cervical cancer is a colposcopy. Women may be referred for a colposcopy because they go to see their GP with symptoms or because they have an abnormal Cervical Screening Test.

A colposcopy is an examination to look at the cervix to see if there are any abnormalities. It can be done in the gynaecologist’s rooms or clinic.

The gynaecologist uses a special instrument called a colposcope to look at the cervix. If they see any abnormality they will take a small sample of tissue from the cervix to be sent for testing. This is known as a cervical biopsy.

A pathologist looks at the biopsy sample under a microscope to see whether or not there is any cancer or precancerous changes (otherwise called dysplasia or CIN).

If your tests show you have cervical cancer, your doctor may send you for further tests to see if the cancer has spread. These tests can include:

• blood tests
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• PET scan.

Your gynaecologist may also recommend you have an examination under anaesthetic. This is done to examine the cervix, bladder and rectum and take biopsies if needed.