Every patient is different, and each diagnostic process will be unique, too. Your care team might use a combination of techniques to determine your diagnosis.
During your first office visit, your healthcare provider will spend time with you and learn about your symptoms and overall health. They will:
- Conduct a physical exam
- Discuss your medical history and your current health conditions
- Listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen level
Blood tests use a small sample of blood to help doctors examine levels of red and white blood cells, enzymes and nutrients in your blood. These tests can provide information about ongoing conditions such as anemia and diabetes, and events such as heart attacks.
A CT, or computed tomography, scan is a type of image created from multiple X-ray images taken by a scanner that rotates around your body. These X-rays are combined by a computer to show organs and soft tissues. A CT scan can help identify conditions such as bleeding, infections and tumors.
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, scan is a type of noninvasive image created using magnets to create a radiofrequency current that passes through your body and produces images of soft tissues. Using MRI, doctors can see abnormalities such as aneurysms and muscle or ligament injuries. MRI does not expose you to radiation.
An X-ray is a type of image created with electromagnetic radiation that passes through your body. These waves capture images of bones, organs and tissues to help diagnose abnormalities or injuries.
A biopsy is a procedure that removes a small piece of an area of concern, such as cells, a lump, tumor or other tissue. The sample is then evaluated in a lab. Biopsies can be performed during open surgery or minimally invasive surgery. Doctors can also use needles to remove tiny biopsy samples. After the sample is removed, it is processed and sent to a pathologist for review. This specialist looks at the sample under a microscope, makes a diagnosis and grades the cancer.
A bone scan uses small amounts of radioactive material, called tracers, to help doctors detect injuries and abnormalities within the bone that don’t show up on a typical X-ray. For those with a history of cancer or currently undergoing cancer treatment, doctors may use a bone scan to find out whether a cancer has spread to your bones.
A PET – or positron emission tomography – scan, uses small amounts of radioactive material, called tracers, to give your doctor detailed information about conditions including cancer, gastrointestinal and heart disease, and seizures. For a PET scan, you will receive a radiotracer injection, and imaging will be taken before and after the injection. You will pass the radioactive material from the PET scan in your stool or urine within about 24 hours.