Lumber Puncture and Myelogram: Under local anaesthetic a needle is inserted between 3rd and 4th lumber vertebra of the spine, so as to pierce the membranes over the spinal cord and reach the space where cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) is situated. A small quantity of CSF is taken for bacteriological and chemical examination. Then a contrast medium is injected into the space, and patient screened on the X-ray table in straight and different tilted positions. Any narrowing or obstruction present in the spinal column is visualized on the X-ray screen and X-ray film taken wherever indicated.
As an after-effect, some headache may be noticed by the patient, which is relieved on resting.
Ultrasound and CT Scan: Both these procedures help in showing the site and extent of the lesion in a cancer patient.
Investigation of the Cervix of the Uterus
PAP Smear Test: This is performed routinely in all the women patients who come to the gynaecologist for some complaint. The walls of the vagina are held apart with a spatula so that the cervix is visible. A clean wooden spatula is smeared with the secretion on the surface of the cervix. This secretion is then smeared on a glass slide, fixed, stained and looked for evidence of cancer.
Biopsy of the Cervix: Biopsy of the cervix at the suspected site is taken and its histological examination reveals the diagnosis.