I'm having symptoms. Do I have cancer?
Diagnosing cancer involves the use of a variety of tests that provide details about abnormal cells, which may have been detected through routine medical examinations, self-examination, or reported symptoms.
Tests designed to diagnose and evaluate cancer include the following:
- A pathology report is based on the observation of abnormal cells under a microscope.
- Diagnostic imaging involves visualization of abnormal masses using x-ray, computed tomography (CT), positron emission test (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and combined PET/CT machines.
- Blood tests measure substances in the blood that may indicate how advanced the cancer is or other problems related to the cancer.
- Tumor marker tests detect substances in blood, urine, or other tissues that occur in higher than normal levels with certain cancers.
- Special laboratory evaluation of DNA identifies the genetic make-up of abnormal cells.
