What are the different types of lab tests used to diagnose cancer?
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A blood test can anyone determine the abnormality in the body. Blood tests can give information about the overall health status, such as thyroid, kidney, and liver functions. Not all cancers show up on blood tests. So how cancer is determined with the help of lab tests. Can anyone share what are the different types of lab tests used to diagnose cancer?
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@camey If cancer is suspected then the patient undergoes complete evaluation. This includes a complete health history, a physical exam, and diagnostic testing. Many tests may be needed to figure out if you have cancer, or if another condition like infection is causing cancer-like symptoms. Diagnostic testing is used to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer. Diagnostic procedures for cancer may include imaging scans, lab tests, tumor biopsy, endoscopic exam, surgery, or genetic testing. The most common test used to diagnose cancer is a tissue or needle biopsy. The most common samples used in clinical lab tests are blood and urine samples. Many different tests can be done to find and measure many different chemicals in blood or urine. Some of the things that can be measured include blood glucose, calcium, potassium, enzymes, hormones, fats, other metabolic substances, and proteins.