Comprehensive Cancer Care Services

Overview of Cancer | Diagnosis

If symptoms are present, the doctor asks about the person’s medical history and performs a physical exam. In addition to checking general signs of health, the doctor may order various tests and exams. These may include laboratory tests and imaging procedures. A biopsy is usually necessary to determine whether cancer is present.

Staging – When cancer is diagnosed, the doctor will want to learn the stage, or extent, of the disease. Staging is a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Treatment decisions depend on the results of accurate staging. The doctor may order more laboratory tests and imaging studies or additional biopsies to find out whether the cancer has spread.