Cancer diagnoses are a terrifying reality for many people, and the tests and procedures used to confirm them can be confusing and overwhelming. Understanding the different types of tests and methods used to diagnose cancer is essential for anyone who wants to make an informed decision about their care.
This blog post will discuss some critical things about tests and procedures used to diagnose cancer, including what they are, why they’re done, how they’re performed, and what results they can provide.
We’ll also discuss common treatments that may be recommended after a diagnosis. Many CROs manage clinical trials for various diseases, and some CROs specialize in oncology trials. Knowing more about how cancer is diagnosed can help you make decisions that will be vital in your fight against the disease.
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Imaging Tests for Cancer
Depending on the type of cancer, your doctor may order one or more imaging tests to help make a diagnosis. Imaging tests use x-rays, magnetic fields, sound waves, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of your body. Some imaging tests are used to look for cancer, while others are used to find out how far it has spread.
Your doctor may order a computed tomography (CT) scan to look for cancer in your body. During a CT scan, you lie on a table, and an x-ray machine rotates around you, taking detailed pictures of your organs and structures. A CT scan can sometimes find cancers too small to be seen with other imaging tests.
Your doctor may also order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to look for cancer in your body. An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your organs and structures. MRI scans can sometimes find cancers too small to be seen with other imaging tests.
Your doctor may also order an ultrasound exam to look for cancer in your body. During an ultrasound exam, a transducer device is placed against your skin. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off tissues and organs inside your body and create echoes. These echoes are converted into images that can be seen on a monitor. Ultrasound exams can sometimes find cancers too small to be seen with other imaging tests.
Biopsy Procedures
Several types of biopsy procedures can be used to diagnose cancer. The type of biopsy procedure used will depend on the location and type of cancer being diagnosed.
- A needle biopsy is a common type of biopsy procedure. A needle biopsy can be performed using a fine or core needle. A fine needle biopsy uses a thin needle to remove cells from the body. A core needle biopsy uses a giant hand to remove a small piece of tissue from the body.
- A surgical biopsy is another type of biopsy procedure. A surgical biopsy involves removing all or part of the tumor for examination. This type of Biopsy is usually done under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure.
- A skin biopsy is another procedure that can be used to diagnose skin cancer. A skin biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin for examination. This type of Biopsy can be done using a razor blade, punch Biopsy, or excisional Biopsy.
Endoscopic Procedures
Endoscopic procedures are a group of diagnostic tests and procedures using a long, thin tube with a light and camera attached. The tube is inserted through a small incision in the body or natural openings, such as the mouth. Endoscopic procedures allow your doctor to see inside your body without making a large incision.
There are many different types of endoscopic procedures, each with its own set of risks and benefits. Your doctor will discuss each procedure’s risks and benefits before deciding which is right for you.
Some standard endoscopic procedures used to diagnose cancer include:
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Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) lining for abnormalities. A colonoscopy can also remove polyps, which are growths on the colon lining that may become cancerous if left untreated.
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Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy examines the stomach’s lining for abnormalities. A gastroscopy can also be used to remove polyps from the stomach lining.
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Bronchoscopy
A bronchoscopy is used to examine the airways for abnormalities. A bronchoscopy can also take biopsies (tissue samples) from suspicious areas.
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Endoscopic Ultrasound
For abnormalities, an endoscopic ultrasound examines the digestive organs (such as the stomach, small intestine, and colon). Endoscopic ultrasound can also be used to take biopsies from these organs.
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Cystoscopy
A cystoscopy examines the bladder and urethra (the tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body) for abnormalities. A cystoscopy can also be used to take biopsies from suspicious areas of the bladder or urethra.
Endoscopic procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will not have to stay in a hospital overnight. The procedure may cause slight discomfort but should not cause severe pain. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on preparing for your procedure and what you should expect during and after it.
Surgical Procedures
Many different types of surgical procedures can be used to diagnose cancer. The most common type of surgery is a biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is removed from the body for examination. Other surgeries used to diagnose cancer may include fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, and incisional Biopsy. Surgery is usually only performed if there is a suspicion of cancer-based on other tests, such as X-rays or CT scans.
In some cases, surgery may also be used to treat cancer. This type of surgery is often called an excisional biopsy or resection. The entire tumor or affected tissue area is removed from the body during this procedure. Surgery can also remove lymph nodes that may contain cancerous cells.
Molecular Diagnostics
Molecular diagnostics is a rapidly evolving field that offers new hope for more accurate, earlier, and less invasive cancer detection. Molecular tests are performed on a patient’s DNA to look for specific cancer-related changes (mutations). These tests can be used to detect the presence of cancer, to help diagnose the type and stage of cancer, and to guide treatment decisions.
Molecular diagnostics is still a relatively new field, and there is much ongoing research to improve its accuracy and broaden its applications. However, molecular tests are already used in clinical practice to inform cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions. For example, the genetic test known as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can detect certain chromosomal changes associated with specific types of cancer. FISH testing is often used along with other diagnostic tests, such as cytogenetic testing, for a more definitive diagnosis.
Molecular diagnostics holds excellent potential for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. As this field continues to evolve and new technologies become available, researchers hope that molecular diagnostics will become an even more valuable tool in the fight against cancer.
Conclusion
A cancer diagnosis can be a complicated process, and many tests and procedures are used for diagnosis. We hope this article has provided you with an overview of the standard tests used to diagnose cancer so that you can feel more informed about the steps involved. It is essential to consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the test results, as they can provide advice tailored specifically to your situation.
