Diagnostic Procedures for Cancer
Diagnostic Procedures for Cancer: Overview
What are diagnostic procedures for cancer?
When symptoms suggest cancer, your physician may request/perform any of the following procedures to help positively diagnose it:
A detailed medical history - family and personal
Thorough physical examination
Pelvic examination of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, bladder, and rectum (women only)
Pap test may be requested at the time of pelvic examination (women only)
Rectal examination of the prostate and rectum (men only)
Other diagnostic procedures that may be requested include:
Imaging tests, such as:
X-ray
Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) - a non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray. The CT scan may indicate enlarged lymph nodes - a possible sign of a spreading cancer or of an infection.
Radionuclide or nuclear medicine scan - an imaging scan in which a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. A machine measures levels of radioactivity in certain tissues or organs, thereby detecting any abnormal areas or tumors. Some examples are bone scans, PET scans, and gallium scans.
Ultrasound - an imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce an image on a monitor of the abdominal organs, such as the uterus, liver, and kidneys.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal cord. The MRI may show abnormal nodules in bones or lymph nodes - a sign that cancer may be spreading.
Endoscopy - use of a very flexible tube with a lens or camera (and a light on the end), which is connected to a computer screen, allowing the physician to see inside the hollow organs, such as the bladder or uterus. Biopsy samples (tiny pieces of tissue) can be taken through the tube.
Laboratory tests - to examine blood, urine, other fluids, or tumor tissue
Biopsy - to remove a sample of the suspicious tissue for examination in a laboratory by a pathologist
Once the cancer is diagnosed, an evaluation will be made to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer.
