Investigations used to diagnose and assess Cancers
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- There are many tests that may be used.
- They differ by the type of symptom and the location of the suspected cancer.
These tests include:
Laboratory tests
- These tests look for changes in certain substance in the body that may represent a sign of cancer.
- They may also detect cancer cells. They include:
Blood Tests
These include:
Complete blood count.
Blood chemistry.
Tumour markers
These measure certain proteins in the blood or other tissues.
These proteins may rise in cases of cancer.
There may be other reasons for the tumour markers to rise besides cancer.
Cytology tests
These are lab tests that search for abnormal looking cells.
This may be done from different samples from the body, including sputum or fluids from cysts.
Cytogenic analysis
These are lab tests that search for abnormal chromosomes.
A sample may be needed from different areas like blood or the tumour or bone marrow.
Imaging tests
The best imaging technique differs by the type of cancer.
Sometimes a single imaging technique is not enough to diagnose or assess a cancer.
The imaging test gives information used to diagnose the cancer, check for spread and monitor it.
Common techniques include:
X-ray.
CT scan.
MRI.
Ultrasound.
Nuclear scans.
PET scans.
Taking biopsies
- This is a procedure where the doctor takes a sample from the suspected tissue.
- A pathologist reviews it under a microscope.
There are different ways to obtain a biopsy, which include:
Needle biopsy
- A needle is inserted into the suspected area under a form of imaging.
- A small amount of tissue is retrieved.
Endoscopy
- This is a camera that enters the body through a natural opening like the mouth or anus.
- It allows the doctor to see the tumour and take the biopsy.
- Common endoscopies include a colonoscopy (for the colon) or a hysteroscopy (for the uterus).
Procedure to remove part of the tumour
- A small part of the suspected area is removed.
- This may be a small procedure in the clinic.
- It may be done as an operation.
Procedure to remove all of the tumour
- Sometimes the suspected area is small enough to be removed completely during the biopsy.
