Tests and scans

A small piece of tissue or a sample of cells is removed and examined under a microscope. It is the only certain way of telling if an abnormal area or lump is a cancer or not.

There are many different types of blood test. You may have blood samples taken to check your general health and how well your liver and kidneys are working.

A small sample of bone marrow is taken from the back of the hip bone (pelvis) or occasionally the breast bone (sternum). This is looked at to see if there are any abnormal cells.

This test finds any abnormal areas of bone. A mildly radioactive substance is injected into a vein. A scan of your bones is taken 2 or 3 hours later.

A CT (computerised tomography) scan uses x-rays to build a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. You may be given either a drink or injection of dye.

A lumbar puncture is when a hollow needle is inserted between the bones of the lower back. It is done to take a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. 

An MRI scan uses magnetism to build up a detailed picture of the inside of your body.

A PET scan uses low-dose radiation to check the activity of cells in different parts of the body. It may be used to give more detailed information about cancer or abnormal areas seen on X-rays or scans.

A PET-CT scan is a combination of a CT scan and a PET scan. PET-CT scans give more detailed information about the part of the body being scanned.

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to build up a picture of internal organs. It can also be used to guide a biopsy.

X-rays are used to take pictures of the inside of your body. It is not painful and only takes a few minutes.