Examination under anaesthetic (EUA) for gynaecological cancers

This is an examination done under a general anaesthetic. It allows your doctor to examine you thoroughly and check the extent of the cancer without causing you discomfort. They may also remove small samples of tissue (biopsy).

During the EUA, your doctor examines the vulva, vagina, cervix and anus. They may also look into your bladder (cystoscopy) and the lower end of your large bowel (proctoscopy) to see if the cancer has spread to these areas.

You may have some slight bleeding for a few days after an EUA. Your doctor or nurse can tell you more about the examination and what to expect afterwards.