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Skin Biopsy
Should be done from 20-40 years of age but should be done anyway now. It should be repeated every 3 years. During a skin exam, a doctor or nurse checks the skin for moles, birthmarks, or other pigmented areas that look abnormal in color, size, shape, or texture. -
Pap smear
Your healthcare provider will use a small brush, swab, or spatula to gently remove cells from the cervix and back of the vagina. He or she will place the cells in a vial of liquid or smear the cells on a glass microscope slide. She should have had this done a 21 but now she should get it done anyway. It will need to be done yearly from now on. -
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HPV testing
Should be done from 21-29 years of age. Needs to be done yearly for sexually active individuals. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to widen it. Then, a brush is inserted into the vagina to collect cells from the cervix. The sample is then sent to a lab, where the cells can be checked to see if they are infected with the types of HPV that cause cancer (an HPV test). -
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Ovarian Cancer Testing
This should have been done from the age of 30-35. These should be done yearly from now on. The 2 tests used most often (in addition to a complete pelvic exam) to screen for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test. TVUS (transvaginal ultrasound) is a test that uses sound waves to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by putting an ultrasound wand into the vagina. -
Mammogram
This should have been done at age 40 but now would be a good time to start. This should be done every 2 years. You will stand in front of a special X-ray machine. A technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate will firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. -
Colonoscopy
This test should be done now as it is usually first done at age 45. Should be done every 5-10 years. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the entire rectum and colon while a patient is sedated. A flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and the entire colon to look for polyps or cancer. -
AFP testing
This should be done now because of her diabetes. There is no age recommended. A blood sample is taken and sent off to be checked at a lab. The results of the tests are usually ready in 1 to 2 weeks or less, depending on the lab. This test will also show how the liver is functioning and if cancer may be present.