How cancer is diagnosed
There are many types of cancer and they are diagnosed in different ways. The tests you need will be based on your exact symptoms.
In this section we describe some of the more common tests used for diagnosing cancer. You will find links to other websites where you can find more information about diagnosing specific cancer types. Here you can also find links to relevant videos in our library to show you what might happen during your hospital appointment.
CT scan
CT stands for computerised tomography. A CT scan, also known as a CAT scan, is a specialised X-ray test. It can give quite clear pictures of the inside of your body to give a more 3-dimensional view.
In particular, it can give good pictures of soft tissues of the body which do not show on ordinary X-ray pictures. It will show possible cancer, its size and whether it has spread.
For more information about having a CT scan you can click on the following links.
MRI Scan
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI is a type of scan that creates pictures using magnetism and radio waves. MRI scans produce pictures from angles all around the body and shows up soft tissues very clearly.
They take between 15 and 90 minutes.
For more information about having an MRI scan you can click on the following links.
Biopsy
If you need a biopsy then a doctor will remove a small sample of your body tissue from the affected area, using a needle. This will then be examined under a microscope to find out whether you have cancer or not.
Sometimes biopsies may need to be repeated to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Your doctor or nurse will explain how the biopsy will be taken, and how long you will need to be at the hospital. It will depend on which part of your body the sample is taken from.
For more information about having a biopsy you can click on the following links.
X-Ray
An x-ray is a test that uses small doses of radiation to take pictures of the inside of your body. They are a good way to look at bones and can show changes caused by cancer or other medical conditions. X-rays can also show changes in other organs, such as the lungs.
You have x-rays in the imaging department of the hospital, taken by a radiographer.
For more information about having an x-ray you can click on the following links.
PET Scan
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. The PET scan uses a mildly radioactive drug to show up areas of your body where cells are more active than normal. It is used to help diagnose cancer and can also help to find out whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
You can find more information about PET scans on the Cancer Research UK website. This includes a short video about what it is like to have a PET scan.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a test that looks inside the body using an instrument called an endoscope.
An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube. The tube has a light and a camera at the end. It is passed into the body to help doctors see inside.
An endoscopy may also be used to remove a small sample of tissue from inside the body (a biopsy).
You can find out more about having an endoscopy by clicking on the following links.
Other tests for cancer
There are many ways to test for different types of cancer. If you have been referred for a test that is not included here you can find more on these websites.
Your test results
Waiting for results can be stressful so it might help to talk to someone about how you are feeling.
Depending on the type of test it can take a few weeks to get the results.
You might receive a letter or phone call to tell you the results, or you will be invited for an appointment with a consultant or clinical nurse specialist. This should be made clear to you when you have the tests, so if you are not sure please ask.
If you do not have cancer, you may need further tests to diagnose something else.
If you are told you do have cancer, you will then be told what happens next. This could include further tests to assess the size of the cancer, or another appointment to start discussing your treatment options.