How do doctors detect cancer

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. Download this topic [PDF]. Types of biopsies used to look for cancer Types of cytology tests used to look for cancer What happens to biopsy and cytology specimens?

What do doctors look for in biopsy and cytology specimens? Tests used on biopsy and cytology specimens to diagnose cancer Reasons for delays in getting your biopsy and cytology test results How to learn more about your pathology results What information is included in a pathology report? To learn more.

Imaging is the process of producing valuable pictures of body structures and organs. It is used to detect tumors and other abnormalities, to determine the extent of disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Imaging may also be used when performing biopsies and other surgical procedures. There are three types of imaging used for diagnosing cancer: transmission imaging, reflection imaging, and emission imaging. Each uses a different process. X-rays, computed tomography scans CT scans , and fluoroscopy are radiological examinations whose images are produced by transmission. In transmission imaging, a beam of high-energy photons is produced and passed through the body structure being examined.

The beam passes very quickly through less dense types of tissue such as watery secretions, blood, and fat, leaving a darkened area on the X-ray film. Muscle and connective tissues ligaments, tendons, and cartilage appear gray. Bones will appear white.

Reflection imaging refers to the type of imaging produced by sending high-frequency sounds to the body part or organ being studied. These sound waves "bounce" off of the various types of body tissues and structures at varying speeds, depending on the density of the tissues present. The bounced sound waves are sent to a computer that analyzes the sound waves and produces a visual image of the body part or structure. Emission imaging occurs when tiny nuclear particles or magnetic energy are detected by a scanner and analyzed by computer to produce an image of the body structure or organ being examined.

Nuclear medicine uses emission of nuclear particles from nuclear substances introduced into the body specifically for the examination. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI uses radio waves with a machine that creates a strong magnetic field that in turn causes cells to emit their own radio frequencies. Testing for mutations in genes that give an increased risk for cancer is complicated.

The concepts are important to understand when considering cancer susceptibility gene testing. A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. Some biopsies can be performed in a physician's office, while others need to be done in a hospital setting.

In addition, some biopsies require use of an anesthetic to numb the area, while others do not require any sedation. Biopsies are usually performed to determine whether a tumor is malignant cancerous or to determine the cause of an unexplained infection or inflammation.

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We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. The higher the stage number, the farther the cancer has spread. We understand that waiting for diagnostic test results can create a great deal of stress. To ease anxiety and help you begin your cancer treatment as soon as possible, we work to reduce wait times for appointments and test results.

In some cases, we offer telehealth appointments so that you can ask questions via a smartphone or computer. Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research. Call us anytime. Diagnostic evaluations. Diagnostic procedures Diagnostic imaging tests Genetic and genomic testing Laboratory tests. New research Offering clinical trials on new and emerging cancer treatment options. View our clinical trials. Assess your cancer risk and take control Assess your cancer risk.

What is cancer pathology? How cancer is diagnosed. This page was updated on October 27, What is diagnostic testing? Experienced care team Our diagnostic team includes physicians across many medical specialties, including radiologists and pathologists. Cancer diagnostics at CTCA A thorough and accurate cancer diagnosis is the first step in developing an individualized cancer treatment plan.

Other testing that may be required. How we test for cancer The tests and procedures we use in diagnosing cancer vary depending on the type of cancerthe disease and the needs of each patient. Diagnostic evaluations generally fall into one of four categories: Diagnostic imaging tests A variety of imaging options are available to help detect cancer based on its location in the body. Diagnostic procedures These tests are used to help detect cancer by analyzing a tissue or blood sample.

Laboratory and blood tests Lab tests to examine blood, urine and other fluid samples may be used to look for tumor markers or abnormal cells indicative of cancer. Genetic and genomic testing Changes to your DNA, known as gene mutations , may increase the risk of cancer. After cancer is diagnosed Even after the validation of your diagnosis, our diagnostics program continues to play an important role throughout your cancer treatment. Clinical care sometimes involves referrals to onsite specialists.

Accommodating your needs We understand that waiting for diagnostic test results can create a great deal of stress. How we test for cancer.