Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Cancer of the Uterus: Diagnosis & Tests
      Category : Health Centers > Cancers and Tumors

Cancer of the Uterus

Alternate Names : Uterine Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Cancer of the Endometrium

Cancer of the Uterus | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


How is the disease diagnosed?

A Pap smear is not intended to diagnose uterine cancer. This test is used to diagnose cancer of the cervix. However, Pap smears occasionally show changes in endometrial cells. If this occurs, a biopsy or dilatation and curettage, or D&C, will be done. This involves scraping the uterine wall to gather more cells from the lining of the uterus.

If advanced cancer is suspected, other tests may be done, such as the following:

  • a complete blood count to rule out anemia, which is a low red blood cell count
  • a test to make sure that cancer has not spread to the kidneys
  • ultrasound of the vagina
  • a chest X-ray to make sure that the cancer has not spread to the lungs
  • liver function tests to make sure that the cancer has not spread to the liver
  • bone scan to be sure that the cancer has not spread to the bones

  • Previous section

     

    Next section

    Cancer of the Uterus: Symptoms & Signs

     

    Cancer of the Uterus: Prevention & Expectations

    Author: Eva Martin, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 07/13/01









    Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

    Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
    About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
    Contact Us | Link to Us

    HONcode accreditation seal.

    We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


    The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006