Use of Pathology

Tests for cancer diagnosis range from simple blood tests to endoscopy, Computerised Tomography (CT) scan and ultrasound. If the tests prove positive, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm diagnosis where a sample of the lump or abnormal area is taken. The biopsy sample is then analysed in a laboratory and the cells examined so that the doctors can see exactly what type of cancer it is and whether it is likely to grow slowly or more quickly.

Scans can measure the size of the cancer and whether it has spread to other tissues or nearby lymph glands (nodes). This process is called "staging" the cancer. Once the type and stage of the cancer is known, doctors can decide how best to treat it. Blood is taken and studied to see if the different types of blood cells are normal in number and appearance. The results will show how well your organs are working and may suggest the presence of cancer.

Laboratory tests will also identify the grade of cancer cells. Low grade cells are slower to divide and the cancer is generally less aggressive. High grade cells divide more quickly and the cancer is more likely to spread.