Cancer can be a life-threatening disease. The sooner a person finds out they have cancer, the more likely they can be cured. It is also very important to be sure one has the right diagnosis because different kinds of cancer are treated in different ways.

A diagnostic evaluation for cancer seeks to find the signs or symptoms suggestive of that disease. The evaluation is used to determine the existence of and extent of the disease. To know for sure if a person has cancer, their cells, suspicious growths, or affected tissue must be examined under a microscope. This is done by a pathologist, a doctor who specializes in looking at diseased cells.

The person must first have these cells removed from their body. This is called a biopsy. It is usually done by a physician who specializes in diagnosing cancer. It can often be done in a doctor's office and may not require surgery. Additional tests such as scans, MRIs, and various X-rays are sometimes needed to help determine the extent of the cancer. In cases where tests do not give your doctor enough information, exploratory surgery may be necessary.

Cancer is often found when a person feels a lump in their body or sees a suspicious growth on their skin. Sometimes it is found by routine cancer screening methods such as having a mammogram for breast cancer, a Pap smear for cervix cancer, or a rectal exam for colon and prostate cancers. Other times, in the case of blood cancers, tumors are not produced. A person may have symptoms that send them to their doctor. At this time a special blood test is done, and the person's bone marrow must be tested. Chances of curing cancer increase with early and accurate detection. Treatment should be started when a diagnosis is reached to stop the rapid growth of cancer cells.

To learn more about diagnosing cancer, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go