Each type of cancer has its own diagnostic test

Cancer diagnostic

A diagnostic means a test which, when undergone, either proves you have a certain disease or not. In case of a diagnostic test for this illness, it becomes the foremost hurdle in dealing with the disease. At times people just don�t want to undergo diagnostics because they are scared of the possibility of a positive result. But we need to understand that performing these tests is more for our well being than anybody else�s. So, as soon as you detect signs of a tumor or are doubtful about it, present yourself to your doctor to avoid further unnecessary worries.

Gearing up for the diagnostic

Before you barge in for a diagnostic test you need to clarify certain points with your doctor. You need to ask relevant questions and get and get accurate answers. In case you are at a loss of words when you approach your doctor here is a list of questions that will help you get started:

� Ask him what is the purpose of the diagnostic?
� What procedure will follow once you are through with the test?
� What results is the test likely to produce?
� How long will it take to be done with the diagnostic?
� Is it possible on an outpatient basis?
� How much time will the results take?

Each type of the illness has its own diagnostic test. There may be some common tests for a few of them. Which one will you be undergoing is something that only the doctor can tell you.

Services offered
The cancer diagnostic contains screening and diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, surgical biopsy, needle biopsies and pathology programs for all types of cancer. It may happen that more than one diagnostic test is needed to come up with the correct information about the status of the disease. Diagnostic tests are constantly under progression. Agreed that some of the diagnostics are a bit painful, but new ways of deciphering are being explored. There is no single test which can detect the disease completely.

Along with the tests the doctor has to go through your family history of diseases, your physical examination, and much more. This is because many a time certain other conditions crop up, which falsely represent themselves as cancerous symptoms. Diagnostic testing either confirms or eliminates the disease�s presence, and incase of former, helps in planning its effective treatment. The most foremost diagnostic test is imaging. This involves study of pictures of the body and various parts to detect tumor and study its intensity and area of coverage. There are three types of imaging for cancer diagnostic- Transmission imaging, emission imaging and reflection imaging.

Some of the other cancer diagnostic tests are:

� Blood test
� Bone marrow
� Solid tumor tissue test
� Lymph node biopsy