What are the common lab tests used for cancer diagnosis?
Several lab tests are commonly used to diagnose cancer, including blood tests, urine tests, and tissue biopsies. Blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) can reveal abnormalities in blood cells that may indicate the presence of cancer. Tumor markers, which are substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer, can also be detected in blood or urine. A biopsy, where a sample of tissue is taken and examined under a microscope, is often the definitive test for diagnosing cancer.