Investigations That May Be Useful in Detecting Cancer

Abstract

A large range of tests is now available to help detect cancer. Some of the most useful of these became available only during the last decade or two of the twentieth century. These range from screening tests, which may help detect the possibility of cancer in people who are at risk but without any symptoms, to organ-imaging tests when symptoms are being investigated. Helpful tests include X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound scans, isotope scans, MRI scans and PET scans. Each of these may reveal the presence, the site and likely dimensions of a deep-seated tumour. Endoscopic tests that use flexible mirrored endoscopic tubes allow the operator to look at, photograph and even biopsy lesions in the alimentary tract, thorax, peritoneal cavity or in other body cavities. A number of blood and serum tests may reveal evidence of reactions to a tumour somewhere in the body. The ultimate investigation, however, is a biopsy because microscopic examination of biopsied material can very often tell the type of malignant cells and the organ or tissue from which they originally developed, as well as the degree of anaplasia or potential aggressiveness of the cancer.