If cancer is suspected, or even as part of a regular screening programme, you may encounter one or more of the following tests.
X-rays
A simple x-ray can show the lungs, heart outline, collar bones and ribs, and may help diagnose lung and bronchial cancers.
Contrast x-rays
These use barium, either as a drink or as an enema, to highlight any abnormalities in an x-ray. Contrast x-rays are used to diagnose cancer of the gullet (oesophagus), stomach, colon or rectum.
Mammogram
This is a special soft tissue x-ray of the breast which is used to detect abnormalities. As the breast tissue has to be squashed to take the picture some women find this uncomfortable. Mammograms are used in the screening of all women, whether or not the woman displays symptoms of breast cancer.
CT
CT, or computerized tomography, scanning gives a more detailed view of sections of the body, detecting changes in shape. CT is often used when trying to detect very small cancers in the body.
MRI
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses a powerful magnetic field in combination with radio waves to create images similar to CT, but without exposing the patient to ionising radiation. These images give much more information than other imaging techniques, enabling a more detailed and accurate interpretation of the results. This type of imaging can be very noisy but you can listen to music to help block out the noise. Because of the magnet, patients with any implants containing metal (e.g. cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, cochlea implants, implanted pumps, tattooed eyeliner) can’t have an MRI.
Nuclear medicine
These scans can be used to look at bones, kidneys, lungs and the thyroid gland. This usually involves an injection of a small amount of radiation and you’re provided with a list of do’s and don’ts for 12 hours after the scan.
Ultrasound imaging
Ultrasound is a non-invasive investigation of soft tissues in the body using high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of body organs.
Cytological investigations
This test may be performed to collect cells from an abnormality within the body. A needle and syringe is used to take cells from a lump, a lymph node, thyroid gland or bone marrow. Cells from the cervix may be collected using a swab (a smear test). Taking these cells can be quite uncomfortable but is important in getting the right diagnosis.
Endoscopy
A tube with a tiny camera and light is used to look at different parts of the body, including the gullet, lungs, stomach and bowel.
Surgery
Sometimes it isn't possible to reach a definite diagnosis without a biopsy. This involves taking a small piece of tissue for testing and is often carried out under a local anaesthetic.
Blood tests
Blood tests are very common and are usually done to look at how the organs in the body are working.
Some tests are done immediately by your GP, but others may take longer to arrange as they’re more complex and require hospital visits. Results may take a little time to get as scans and test reports have to be checked and double checked by experts. An appointment is usually made once all your results are available. If you think you should be having a particular test, it's important to discuss your concerns with your doctor who will be able to tell you if the test is appropriate. Often when you see your doctor you may forget some of the things you want to ask, so it's often useful to write these things down before you go.
Disclaimer
All content within BBC Health is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the BBC Health website. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. See our Links Policy for more information. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/in_depth/cancer/carecancer_test.shtml
No comments:
Post a Comment