Cancer Testing & Diagnosis
Diagnosing Cancer
Cancer can be hard to detect, and if symptoms aren't present, it can remain undiagnosed. It is important to lower your chances of developing cancer by living a healthy lifestyle and following your doctor's advice on routine screenings.
Early diagnosis of cancer is critical because more treatment options are often available, including surgery to remove it before it spreads. Imaging technology enables radiologists to determine the location and size of a tumor so it can be biopsied and sent to pathology for diagnosis.
Imaging & Scans
There are many imaging and scanning techniques that can provide early detection, giving cancer patients a better chance at conquering the disease. In addition, certain imaging technology can help determine precise location, size and type of tumor, and can be used to identify the appropriate treatment for the particular cancer.
Our expert radiologists are equipped with the latest technologies for detecting disease and directing treatment. Some imaging techniques are specialized for detecting certain types of cancer, such as mammography and 3-D mammography for breast cancer. Other imaging techniques, such as CT scan and MRI, can detect a wide variety of cancers.
Lab Work
Analysis of blood, urine samples and DNA samples provides critical information regarding the disease process including it's progression, impact on internal organs, whether a blood transfusion is necessary and more. Lab work is a key element of diagnosis and treatment of all cancers.
Biopsy & Pathology
Many cancers are diagnosed by examination of tissue of a patient's tumor or bone marrow. Pathologists examine biopsy samples using high-powered microscopes and issue a full report to the referring physician or medical oncologist that includes a diagnosis, special characteristics that are important to determining stage and likelihood of metastasis and other relevant details.