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.