Tests to Help Determine the Stage of Your Cancer
To determine the stage of your cancer, you will have to undergo various tests and physical exams. Tests will also help your doctor know which organs the cancer has spread to. Examples of tests recommended include imaging scans, blood tests, and other lab tests.
Asides from X-rays, some other required tests include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This involves using strong radio and magnetic waves to produce detailed pictures of the affected site.
- Ultrasound: This involves using high-frequency sound waves to produce images of affected sites.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan: Various X-rays are taken from more than one angle and combined together to produce more detailed information.
Your doctor may also recommend a biopsy, which involves taking a tiny fraction of tissue from the affected site and observing it under a microscope.
Tumors removed during surgery are observed to understand its effects on your body. The data gathered from the observation will be included in your test results to know the surgical stage or pathological stage. This is usually different from the clinical stage and is more accurate.