Cancer Diagnosis

Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While a cancer diagnosis can be daunting, early detection and prompt treatment can significantly increase the chances of recovery. 

What is Cancer Diagnosis?

A cancer diagnosis is a process of identifying the presence of cancer cells in the body. This is done through various tests and procedures, including blood tests, imaging scans, and biopsies. The results of these tests help doctors determine the type of cancer, its stage, and the best treatment options.

What are the Types of Cancer Diagnosis?

Cancer diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical tests, including:

• Imaging tests: These tests use different types of technology, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, to create images of the inside of the body.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can detect cancer cells and identify specific biomarkers that indicate the presence of cancer.
• Biopsies: A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample from the affected area and examining it under a microscope for cancer cells.
• Surgical Diagnostics: A tissue sample is removed from the body for examination under a microscope.
• Physical Examination: Your doctor will thoroughly evaluate your body to check for signs of cancer.

Who Should Undergo Cancer Diagnosis?

Cancer screening is recommended for individuals at an average risk of developing cancer, with no personal history of cancer or known genetic mutations that increase cancer risk. Patients over 50 should have regular health checks, while those under 50 should discuss appropriate examinations with their healthcare provider. 

Patients with a family history of cancer or known genetic mutations may require earlier and more frequent screenings. Those experiencing cancer symptoms such as a lump, pain, blood discharge, or other changes should seek evaluation from a healthcare provider.

What are the Benefits of Cancer Diagnosis?

Cancer diagnosis offers several benefits, including:

• Early detection: Early cancer detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
• Accurate diagnosis: Cancer diagnosis helps doctors determine the type and stage of cancer, which is critical in determining the best course of treatment.
• Minimise extensive and invasive treatments: By catching cancer early, it may be possible to treat it with less aggressive methods such as endoscopic resection.
• Peace of mind: Cancer screening can provide peace of mind by ruling out the presence of cancer or identifying it early when treatment options are most effective and provide a chance of cure.

What Happens if an Abnormality is Found?

If a mass is discovered, you will likely need to be examined with further diagnostic measures. 

Clinical Examination

A clinical examination is an essential part of a cancer diagnosis. During the examination, your doctor will physically examine the affected area and surrounding tissue to check for signs of cancer.

Why is a Clinical Examination Important for Cancer Diagnosis?

A clinical examination is an important part of a cancer diagnosis. It allows your doctor to assess the extent of the cancer and determine the best course of treatment. During the examination, your doctor will look for any signs of cancer, including lumps, abnormalities, tissue texture, or colour changes.

A clinical examination can help your doctor determine what additional investigations to pursue.

What to Expect During a Cancer Diagnosis Clinical Examination?

During a cancer diagnosis clinical examination, your doctor will typically:

• Ask about your medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, or treatments. They may also ask about your family history of cancer.
• Perform a physical examination: Your doctor will examine the affected area and surrounding tissue.
• Check the lymph nodes: The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that help fight infections and diseases. Cancer cells can spread to the lymph nodes, causing them to become swollen or tender.
• Order imaging tests or biopsies: Based on the clinical examination results, your doctor may order additional tests, such as imaging tests or biopsies, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of cancer.

How to Prepare for a Cancer Diagnosis Clinical Examination?

Before your cancer diagnosis clinical examination, it is important to:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove, as you may need to undress for the examination.
• Make a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
• Consider bringing a friend or family member for support during the examination.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your doctor during the examination.
• Let your doctor know about any concerns or anxieties you may have about the examination. They can help address your concerns and provide reassurance.

Cancer Imaging

What is Cancer Imaging?

Cancer imaging is a type of diagnostic testing that creates images of the inside of the body to detect the presence and extent of cancer. Imaging tests use different types of technology, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds, to create images of the body's tissues and organs.

The images created by cancer imaging can help doctors identify the type of cancer, its stage, and the best treatment options.

Why is Cancer Imaging Important?

Cancer imaging is essential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. It allows doctors to detect the presence of cancer cells in the body and determine the extent of cancer, including how far it has spread. This information is crucial in determining the best course of treatment.

Additionally, cancer imaging can monitor cancer progression during treatment and detect any changes or complications.

What are the Types of Cancer Imaging?

There are several types of cancer imaging, including:

• X-ray: X-rays use low radiation levels to create images of the inside of the body. They are often used to detect bone cancer or lung cancer.
• CT scan: CT scans use X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the body's tissues and organs. They are often used to detect colon, liver, and pancreatic cancer and assist in determining the stage of the cancer. 
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's tissues and organs. They may be more useful for certain cancers, including liver and pancreas. 
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is easily accessible, free of radiation, and may be an initial tool for cancer detection.
• PET scan: PET scans use a radioactive tracer to create images of the body's tissues and organs. They are often used to detect cancer in different body parts, including the brain, lungs, and liver.

Biopsy

The diagnosis of cancer is usually confirmed after a tissue biopsy. This can be completed by endoscopy or sometimes radiologically through the skin. 

Once the tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope, a cancerous or benign determination can be made.

Endoscopy

By examining a tissue sample, doctors can identify the type of cancer and determine the best course of treatment. Cancer surgical diagnostics can also monitor cancer progression during treatment and detect any changes or complications.

Surgical Diagnostics include: 

• Colonoscopy: A procedure involving a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, your doctor can identify abnormal growths or polyps and remove them for examination under a microscope. A colonoscopy is often used to diagnose colon cancer and is recommended for individuals over 50; however, patients with additional risk factors may require earlier screening.
• Gastroscopy: A procedure involving a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. During a gastroscopy, your doctor can identify abnormalities or growths and take a tissue sample (biopsy) for examination under a microscope. Gastroscopy is often used to diagnose stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS):  A procedure involving a flexible tube with a camera and ultrasound probe at the end, which is inserted into the patient's mouth and guided through the digestive system. Ultrasound technology emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off internal organs and create a detailed image of the gastrointestinal tract and surrounding structures. During an EUS, your doctor can identify abnormalities or growths and take a tissue sample (biopsy) for examination under a microscope.
• Enteroscopy: A balloon-assisted enteroscopy involves using an extra-long flexible tube with a camera to examine the small intestine. During an enteroscopy, your doctor can identify abnormalities or growths and take a tissue sample (biopsy). An enteroscopy is often used to diagnose small intestine cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders.

What if Cancer Diagnosis is Delayed?

When cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other parts of the body, the chances of successful treatment and survival are much higher. Late diagnosis can result in the need for more aggressive treatment options, which can cause more side effects and complications.

Delayed diagnosis can lead to:

• Advanced stage cancer
• More aggressive treatment, including extensive surgery and chemoradiotherapy
• Reduced survival rate
• Poor quality of life
• Emotional and psychological distress



You must seek medical attention if you experience any cancer-related symptoms or risk factors.