Common Tests Used To Diagnose Cancer

CT Or MRI Scan

When an individual is suspected of having a cancerous mass in their body, their physician may order an MRI or CT scan to help identify or rule out the presence of cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging uses a series of cross-section pictures of the inside of the body that are produced with the use of strong magnets to create a detailed depiction of the patient's organs and structures. MRIs are frequently used for this purpose because they provide more dimension and precision than typical two-dimensional imaging methods like an x-ray. CT scans are another diagnostic imaging method used to diagnose cancer and determine the stage of cancer, as well as the extent of the malignancy. A CT scan is a series of numerous x-rays taken of the patient's body from various angles that are put together in a computer system to create a detailed image of the inside of their body. CT scans are used most often to detect cancer in the chest, neck, head, abdomen, limbs, and pelvis. In some cases, CT scans may be integrated with PET scans to provide a better diagnostic picture.

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