How Cancers Are Diagnosed.

There have been many changes in the last ten years. We are seeing 3-D imaging, which allows viewing of the organ from every angle, giving a 3-D mockup of the disease process. Diagnosis has become more accurate. But it is important that you understand what test are being done and what the results mean. All necessary tests must be done before treatment start. Findings from these test will be the basis for your future treatment.

You might get varying opinions from different types of doctors. Surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, look at cancer and it’s treatment from different viewpoints and may give you a different opinion on what the feel is best for you.

Just make sure your diagnostic test are done by competent, qualified physicians and technicians, using up to date machines and procedures. The words positive and negative are often used in describing test results. Positive usually means that something has been found. Negative means that nothing was found as a result of the test. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography (CT) and nuclear scans, x-ray, pet scans, and cytology also may be used as part of the diagnostic process.

A Biopsy means getting a sample of the tumor. It’s the only definitive test for cancer. The cells must be looked at under a microscope in order for the doctor to make a definite diagnosis. There is a process called staging it is needed in order to plan your treatment.

Laboratory test, such as blood analyses, including tumor markers, and urine analyses are some of the test used to help detect cancer. It is always advisable to get a second and maybe a third opinion if you have cancer. If your doctor does not want you to get another opinion, you need to think about weather or not you want to change doctors.

Most people want to know what type of cancer they have and what stage there in. Having all the facts can help you and your supporters to do research on the web and at the medical library to find out what treatments are being offered. Good information can be found at the National Cancer Institute.  1-800-4- cancer and there is a link on our website to the (NCI) go to our link page.  You will get the latest up to date information and facts on your type of cancer. Making this call is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. They will answer all of your questions. Their specialist can talk to you about your kind of cancer and help you decide what steps to take. They will supply you with printed material, find clinical trials that are being done on your type of cancer, and provide PDQ statements from the National Cancer Institute that gives you the latest information on treatment.