The excision of small pieces of tissue may be done without an anesthetic, as little or no pain is caused by the operation. Bleeding is very slight, and may always be controlled by a light vaginal compress of gauze or cotton. If the case is not malignant, healing is rapid. The specimen removed should be placed in absolute alcohol and submitted to microscopical examination by an experienced pathologist. =Symptoms of Cancer of the Cervix.=--A study of the early symptoms of cancer of the cervix is of the greatest importance. In the early stages the disease may be eradicated with every probability of permanent cure. Cancer of the uterus is more favorable for surgical attack than cancer in most other parts of the body. Excision of the disease is not done in the continuity of an organ or a structure, but the whole organ attached by distinct structures may be removed. The great majority of women with cancer of the cervix come to the operator when the disease has extended too far to permit any radical treatment. Hopeless palliation is the only course to be followed. This unfortunate condition of things is due to the ignorance of the woman in regard to the significance of the early symptoms of the disease, and to the failure of the physician first consulted to insist upon a thorough examination as soon as any suspicious symptoms appear. There is no one symptom of cancer of the cervix present in all cases, and all the common symptoms may be absent in exceptional cases until the last stages of the disease--until the disease has extended so far that cure is impossible. It is of great importance to remember this fact, so that the absence of one or more of the classical symptoms of cancer shall not engender a feeling of security that may cause the postponement of a thorough physical examination. The usual symptoms of cancer of the cervix are hemorrhage, pain, and discharge. _Hemorrhage._--The first symptom that should direct our attention to this disease is bleeding from the vagina. Such hemorrhage often first appears as a menorrhagia--as an increase in the amount of blood lost at the normal menstrual periods. The loss of blood may be greater, and the duration of the period longer. Sometimes, if the woman keeps quiet during the period, the loss of blood and the duration are about as usual; but if she is upon her feet the loss is increased, and if she begins an active life immediately after the usual duration of the menstrual period has elapsed, bleeding may reappear for one or more days. In other cases slight bleeding appears in the menstrual interval. A spot of blood may be discovered upon the clothing. The accustomed leucorrheal discharge may occasionally be streaked with blood. Such appearances are most frequent after long walking or standing or physical work, or after straining at stool, or very often after coitus.