Mercy Cancer Services
Diagnostic Imaging
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.
Diagnostic procedures for cancer may include
imaging, laboratory tests, tumor biopsy, endoscopic examination,
surgery, or genetic testing.
Effective diagnostic testing is used to confirm the
presence of disease, monitor the disease process, and to plan for and
evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
For a full discussion of diagnostic imaging, visit Mercy's
cancer library. |
