- Biopsy: This involves removing a small sample of tissue to examine it under a microscope for cancer cells. Different types of biopsies include needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, and excisional biopsy.
- Imaging Tests: These tests create images of the inside of the body. Common imaging tests include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, and PET scans.
- Blood Tests: Some cancers can be detected by measuring specific substances in the blood, such as tumor markers or abnormal levels of certain blood cells.
- Endoscopy: This procedure involves using a flexible tube with a light and camera to view the inside of organs and take tissue samples if necessary.
- Needle Biopsy: A thin, hollow needle is inserted into the tumor to extract tissue. This method is often used for tumors that are easily accessible.
- Incisional Biopsy: A small part of the tumor is removed for examination.
- Excisional Biopsy: The entire tumor or suspicious area is removed. This is usually done when the tumor is small.
- X-rays: Use radiation to create images of dense structures inside the body, such as bones.
- CT Scans: Combine X-ray images from different angles to create detailed cross-sectional images.
- MRI Scans: Use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues.
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of internal organs. It is often used to examine soft tissues and monitor pregnancies.
- PET Scans: Use a small amount of radioactive material to highlight areas of high metabolic activity, often indicative of cancer cells.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer.
- CA-125: High levels can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Elevated in liver cancer and some germ cell tumors.
Blood tests can also reveal abnormalities in blood cell counts, which may indicate blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
What is an endoscopy, and when is it used?
Endoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the body using a flexible tube with a light and camera. There are various types of endoscopy based on the area being examined:
- Gastroscopy: Views the stomach and upper digestive tract.
- Colonoscopy: Examines the colon and rectum.
- Bronchoscopy: Looks into the airways and lungs.
Endoscopy is used to detect abnormalities, take biopsies, and sometimes perform treatments.
- Physical Examination: Checking for lumps or abnormalities.
- Imaging Tests: Like CT, MRI, and PET scans to see the extent of the spread.
- Biopsy Results: To confirm the type and grade of cancer.
- Blood Tests: To check for markers that indicate spread.
Cancer is usually staged from I to IV, with Stage I being early and localized, and Stage IV indicating advanced spread.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying individuals at higher risk.
- Targeted Therapies: Guiding the use of therapies that target specific genetic mutations.
- Prognosis: Providing information on the likely course of the disease.
- Liquid Biopsies: Detect cancer cells or DNA fragments from a blood sample, offering a less invasive option.
- Molecular Imaging: Combines imaging and molecular biology to provide more detailed pictures and detect changes at the cellular level.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI algorithms can analyze imaging data for more accurate and faster diagnoses.
These advancements hold promise for earlier detection and more personalized treatment approaches.
