PATIENT SUPPORT- Diagnostic Procedures

As new patient, you will receive several tests to help determine your cancer diagnosis, and the following will assist your understanding of the various tests employed. If you have any questions, please speak with your physician.

Biopsy
The removal and examination, usually microscopic, of tissue from the living body, performed to establish precise diagnosis.

Blood Lab Work
Blood analysis to determine if patient meets the parameters for treatment.

Colonoscopy
An elongated flexible endoscope is used to permit visual examination of the entire colon.

Echocardiography
A method of graphically recording the position and motion of the heart walls or the internal structures of the heart and neighboring tissue.

Electrocardiogram
A graphic tracing of the variations in electrical potential caused by the excitation of the heart muscle and detected at the body surface.

Diagnostic Radiological Procedures

Chest X-Ray
Gamma rays which are reflected on a metal plate. X-rays can be taken of any area of the body, which can reveal suspicious areas.

CAT SCAN
A computerized axial tomography of a body organ under examination.

Ductography
A special type of contrast enhanced mammography used for imaging the breast ducts. It can aid in diagnosing breast cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A method of visualizing soft tissues of the body by applying an external magnetic field.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
An imaging technique that assists physicians in the diagnosis and management of diseases. This process produces pictures of the functions of the human body unobtainable by other imaging techniques.

Ultrasound
A diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.