How cancers are diagnosed

Tests and scans

Your medical team will use different tests and scans to see if you have cancer. They may also use them to find out more about the cancer.

Tests and scans

Tests and scans are used to diagnose cancer and see how you're doing during and after treatment. In this section you can find out more about some of these tests, why they're done and what to expect.

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C

E

Endoscopy (gastroscopy)

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M

Mammogram

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast tissue. It is a test to look for early breast cancers. You will need to take off your clothes from the top part of your body, including your bra. The radiographer will then position you so that each breast is placed in turn on the x-ray machine and gently but firmly compressed (flattened) with a clear, plastic plate.

The breast tissue needs to be compressed to keep the breast still and to get the clearest picture with the lowest amount of radiation possible. Most women find this uncomfortable, and for some women it is painful for a short time while the breast is being compressed. You will need to stay still for less than a minute while the x-ray is taken. Usually two mammograms are taken of each breast from different angles.

When mammograms have been taken of both breasts, you can get dressed again and are free to leave.

You may have a mammogram as part of screening for breast cancer, or because you have symptoms that need checking.

MRI scan

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PET scan

PET-CT scan

This is a combination of a CT scan, which takes a series of x-rays to build up a three-dimensional picture, and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A PET scan uses low-dose radiation to measure the activity of cells in different parts of the body.

PET-CT scans give more detailed information about the part of the body being scanned. You may have to travel to a specialist centre to have one. You can't eat for six hours before the scan, although you may be able to drink.

A mildly radioactive substance is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. The radiation dose used is very small. The scan is done after at least an hour’s wait. It usually takes 30–90 minutes. You should be able to go home after the scan.

PSA test

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Ultrasound scan

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X-rays

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Tests and scans

Tests and scans

B

Biopsy

Blood tests

Bone marrow test

Bone scan

C

Colonoscopy

Colposcopy

CT scan

Cystoscopy

E

Endoscopy (gastroscopy)

L

Lumbar puncture

M

Mammogram

MRI scan

P

PET scan

PET-CT scan

PSA test

U

Ultrasound scan

X

X-rays

Latest from the Online Community

Blog post

Mental health and coping with your emotions

Featured group

Emotional issues

Latest posts in Emotional issues

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