Introduction

There is no single test that can accurately diagnose cancer. The complete evaluation of a patient usually requires a thorough history and physical examination along with diagnostic testing. Many tests are needed to determine whether a person has cancer, or if another condition (such as an infection) is mimicking the symptoms of cancer.

Effective diagnostic testing is used to confirm or eliminate the presence of disease, monitor the disease process, and to plan for and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. In some cases, it is necessary to repeat testing when a person's condition has changed, if a sample collected was not of good quality, or an abnormal test result needs to be confirmed.

Diagnostic procedures for cancer may include imaging, laboratory tests (including tests for tumor markers), tumor biopsy, endoscopic examination, surgery, or genetic testing.

Cancer diagnosis methods:

• Lab tests
• Diagnostic imaging
• Endoscopic exams
• Genetic tests
• Tumor biopsies

What are the different types of lab tests used to diagnose cancer?

Clinical chemistry uses chemical processes to measure levels of chemical components in body fluids and tissues. The most common specimens used in clinical chemistry are blood and urine.

Many different tests exist to detect and measure almost any type of chemical component in blood or urine. Components may include blood glucose, electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, lipids (fats), other metabolic substances, and proteins.

• Blood tests
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Urinalysis
• Tumor markers

Diagnostic imaging

Imaging is the process of producing valuable pictures of body structures and organs. It is used to detect tumors and other abnormalities, to determine the extent of disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Imaging may also be used when performing biopsies and other surgical procedures. There are three types of imaging used for diagnosing cancer: transmission imaging, reflection imaging, and emission imaging. Each uses a different process.

Transmission imaging: X-ray, Bone scan, CT scan, Lymphangiogram (LAG), Mammogram

Reflection imaging: Ultrasound

Emission imaging: MRI

Different types of endoscopic examinations used to diagnose cancer

• Cystoscopy (also called cystourethroscopy)
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (also called EGD or upper endoscopy)
• Sigmoidoscopy

Different types of genetic testing used to diagnose cancer?

Testing for mutations in genes that give an increased risk for cancer is complicated. The concepts are important to understand when considering cancer susceptibility gene testing.

Different types of tumor biopsies used to diagnose cancer?

A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. Some biopsies can be performed in a physician's office, while others need to be done in a hospital setting. In addition, some biopsies require use of an anesthetic to numb the area, while others do not require any sedation.

Biopsies are usually performed to determine whether a tumor is malignant (cancerous) or to determine the cause of an unexplained infection or inflammation.

The following are the most common types of biopsies:

• Endoscopic biopsy
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Excisional or incisional biopsy
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy
• Punch biopsy
• Shave biopsy
• Skin biopsy

Conclusion

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Media Contact:
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Assistant sManaging Editor
Journal of Molecular Oncology Research
Email: oncology@openaccessjournal.org