Diagnosis
Diagnosing Urologic Cancer
- Prostate Cancer - Your doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
- Digital rectal exam – examination of the rectum with the doctor's gloved finger inserted into your rectum
- Urine test to check for blood or infection
- Blood test to measure prostate specific antigen (PSA)
- Blood test to measure prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP)
- Bladder Cancer - The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. In addition, internal exams will include a rectal or vaginal exam. During such exams, the doctor may be able to feel an abnormality. Tests include:
- Urine Tests to check for cancer cells.
- X-rays - In this case, a contrast material is injected into the blood. It is filtered by the kidneys, and collected in the bladder to absorb the x-rays and create images.
- CT Scan - a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the pelvis, including the bladder and surrounding structures.
- Cystoscopy - examination of the bladder using a thin tube with a lighted tip that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra.
- Biopsy (transurethral) - removal of a sample of bladder tissue during cystoscopy to test for cancer cells.
Kidney Cancer - Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
- Blood and urine tests - to check kidney function or to find substances that indicate kidney cancer may be present.
- Bone scan - a test where you receive a special radioactive material that specifically lights up bones that are undergoing an active process (such as tumor growth). Kidney cancer likes to spread to the bones and this test is often performed to ensure the bones are not involved by the cancer.
- X-rays of the chest and abdomen – a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body.
- Intravenous pyelogram - an x-ray of the kidneys and ureters after injection of contrast dye into the blood.
- Renal angiography - an x-ray of arteries that are leading to a possible kidney tumor.
- CT scan - a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the kidneys and their surroundings.
- MRI scan - a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the kidneys and their surroundings.
- Renal ultrasound - a test that uses sound waves to examine the kidneys.
- Laparoscopy - a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to look at the kidney.
- Cytoscopy - examination of the bladder, ureters, and kidneys via a thin tube inserted through the urethra.
- Biopsy - removal of a sample of kidney tissue to test for cancer cells.
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Your doctor will discuss your medical history, including any family history of breast cancer. Your breasts will be examined for characteristic symptoms, including:
Diagnosing Lung Cancer
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will also ask about the following:
Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer
Your doctor will first review your medical history, and give you a complete medical exam. One or more of the following tests may be performed:
Colonoscopy - a visual exam of the lining of the large intestine, also called the bowel or colon, with a colonoscope.
Digital Rectal Exam – Your health care provider will examine the rectum for lumps or abnormal areas by inserting a lubricated, gloved, finger into the rectum.
X-ray of the Large Intestine – An x-ray will provide a picture to help identify the presence of polyps.
Fecal Occult Blood Test – A small sample of stool is placed on a special card and tested by a lab for hidden blood.
Diagnosing Gynecological Cancer
Endometrial Cancer (Uterine Cancer) - The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Tests may include:
- Blood and urine tests
- Pelvic exam - use of a physician's gloved finger to examine the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and rectum for lumps or a change in size or shape
- Pap test
- Biopsy of the uterine lining
- Dilation and curettage (D & C)
Imaging & Pathology
