Automated detection of cervical cancer

Abstract

Cervical Cancer is an abnormal growth in the cervix-the lower part of the uterus which joins to the vagina. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is identified as the main cause for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the second most deadly disease among women next to breast cancer in developing countries. However, it is considered to be the most preventable female cancer if identified at an early stage. The cancerous cells may spread to other parts of the body if not identified at an early stage. Pap Smear test and acetic acid test are usually done for cancer screening. In pap test cells are taken from the vagina and cervix and are examined under a microscope for the presence of an abnormal cell. In acetic acid test, the change in features after and before the application of acetic acid is analyzed to find the existence of abnormal cell. Automated screening is becoming most common than manual screening because the latter is erroneous. This paper surveys the different automated methods available for screening the abnormal cells in pap images.