testing
Diagnostic tests are specific tests or a series of steps done to help diagnose a disease or condition. Mammograms and colonoscopies are examples of diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests may be used to:
Diagnose primary disease: Identify the disease the first time it occurs.
Identify cancer subtype: Some cancers are divided into subtypes that are more or less aggressive; identification of a more aggressive subtype may influence the type of treatment proposed.
Predict prognosis: Test results may indicate chance of cure, based on outcomes of other patients with similar results.
Direct treatment: Cancer is many different diseases, all of which respond differently to various treatments. A diagnosis that accurately identifies the type of cancer and predicts prognosis will also help to identify the type of treatment that maximizes chance of cure.
Evaluate response to treatment: Some tests show whether the cancer is responding to treatment.
Detect minimal residual disease: Cancer cells that remain after treatment is completed are called (MRD). Detection of MRD may indicate a higher likelihood of recurrence.
Monitor remission or progression: If a cancer is in remission, frequent tests may help detect the cancer if it returns and/or determine whether it is progressing.
Screen at-risk individuals: Identifying abnormalities in cells or the DNA of cells of asymptomatic (healthy) individuals may indicate an increased risk (although not a certainty) of developing disease.
Pathology tests: Involve microscopic evaluation of abnormal cells.
Diagnostic imaging: Involves visualization of abnormal masses using high-tech machines that create images. Examples of diagnostic imaging include x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and combined PET/CT scans.
Blood tests: Measure substances in the blood that may indicate how advanced the cancer is or other problems related to the cancer.
Tumor marker tests: Detect substances in blood, urine, or other tissues that occur in higher than normal levels with certain cancers.
Genomics: Special laboratory evaluation of DNA involves the identification of the genetic make-up-the DNA-of the abnormal cells.
