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Cancer Diagnosis |
Cancer DiagnosisCancer can arise in any organ, once you are made aware that you have cancer, it is very important to know the type (name of the cancer), primary site of origin, how far its spread or is it fast growing or slow growing in nature.
There are many signs and symptoms for various cancers; however these signs can also overlap with signs of some other disease condition, thus a foolproof diagnosis is essential to know your cancer. After a physical examination by a specialist these tests may be performed for cancer diagnosis.
Blood test If your specialist suspects cancer, then he may advise some blood tests to be performed in the laboratory.
A complete blood count along with urine test will be helpful in analyzing abnormal type of cells, variable number of cells (high/low) or other substances (tumor markers), that may indicate cancer. Depending on the test results, the specialist will decide which other tests are required.
Besides blood tests other tests also need to be performed, as blood test alone rarely can help in diagnosis of cancer or other non cancerous conditions. But it will surely give some idea to your specialist about the happenings in your body.
BiopsyIs a procedure in which a tissue or sample of cell is removed from the body to test for malignant cell under the microscope in the laboratory. X-rays, blood tests or urine tests are the preliminary tests performed, but these alone can not determine cancerous or non cancerous conditions in the body.
Biopsy is considered the definite diagnostic tool for majority cases of cancer. The type of biopsy to be done will be decided by a specialist, depending on the type and location of cancer suspected.
The tissue sample may be chemically treated, frozen or sliced in to very thin sections. Then these sections are stained on a glass slide for better enhancement and studied under a microscope. If the results are positive (if cancerous cells are found), then it will help the specialist to determine the location, type and grade of the cancer.
Lung CT scanIs an option for smokers or former smokers to early identify the cancer, opt for effective treatment and decrease the mortality rate among people with lung cancer, which is a leading cause of death in United States. But currently it is surrounded with many controversies due to lack of scientific evidence for screening results may do more good than harm.
Although caner being diagnosed is very difficult experience, learning to cope with cancer is very important. Co-operate with your specialist, take a friend or relative along during the visits, anticipate some physical changes during the treatment and try to maintain a healthy and normal lifestyle.
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