The doctor may start by asking about your personal and family medical history and do a physical exam. The doctor also may order lab tests, imaging tests (scans), or other tests or procedures. You may also need
a biopsy
, which is often the only way to tell for sure if you have cancer.
How does a pathologist determine if cancer is present?
Tissue removed during a biopsy is sent to a pathology laboratory
, where it is sliced into thin sections for viewing under a microscope. This is known as histologic (tissue) examination and is usually the best way to tell if cancer is present. The pathologist may also examine cytologic (cell) material.
How can I check my cancer report?
To test for the disease, a
sample of your suspicious tissue is sent to a lab
. A doctor called a pathologist studies it under a microscope. They may also do tests to get more information. These findings go into your pathology report.
How do I get my pathology report?
You can contact your medical provider
to help you get a copy of your pathology report. Procedures for obtaining medical records vary from state to state, and from facility to facility. You may have to pay a fee for your report.
What are 7 warning signs of cancer?
- Change in bowel or bladder habits.
- A sore that does not heal.
- Unusual bleeding or discharge.
- Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere.
- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
- Obvious change in a wart or mole.
- Nagging cough or hoarseness.
Does a biopsy tell you what stage cancer is?
Other times, a biopsy can
tell the doctor how aggressive a cancer appears to be and what the extent of the disease may be
. This refers to a cancer’s stage and grade. A biopsy can also explain what type of cancer cells are inside the tumor.
What if the biopsy is positive?
Another important factor is whether there are cancer cells at the margins, or edges, of the biopsy sample. A “positive” or “involved” margin means
there are cancer cells in the margin
. This means that it is likely that cancerous cells are still in the body.
How do I check my biopsy report?
Once a tissue sample is obtained, the pathologist will examine the tissue sample under the microscope in order to determine if it contains normal, pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. The pathologist then writes a
pathology report
summarizing his or her findings.
Why do pathology reports take so long?
Often, there are technical reasons for delays in reporting results. For instance, certain types of body tissues take longer to process than others. Bone and other hard tissues that contain a lot of calcium need
special handling
.
How much time biopsy report takes?
A result can often be given
within 2 to 3 days after the biopsy
. A result that requires a more complicated analysis can take 7 to 10 days. Ask your doctor how you will receive the biopsy results and who will explain them to you.
How does a cancer start?
Cancer
develops when the body’s normal control mechanism stops working
. Old cells do not die and instead grow out of control, forming new, abnormal cells. These extra cells may form a mass of tissue, called a tumor. Some cancers, such as leukemia, do not form tumors.
Do all cancers show up in blood tests?
Blood tests are usually done in all cases of suspected cancer and may also be done routinely in healthy individuals.
Not all cancers show up on blood tests
. Blood tests can give information about the overall health status, such as thyroid, kidney, and liver functions.
Does cancer spread faster after biopsy?
When cancer spreads in the body, it is first and foremost due to
changes, or mutations, in the DNA of cells
. Because of a mutation or other abnormality in a cancer cell’s genome (the DNA stored in its nucleus), the cell may become separated from its neighbors and invade surrounding tissue.
What is the most aggressive cancer?
Pancreatic cancer
is one of the most aggressive cancers in existence. It kills quickly and causes multiple painful and dangerous symptoms including stomach pain, biliary obstruction, bleeding, ascites, and more.
What are the symptoms of Stage 1 cancer?
- Swelling in the breast or armpit (lymph nodes)
- Unusual discomfort or pain in the breast.
- Breast tenderness that is very persistent.
- Pitted or scaly skin.
- A retracted nipple.
- Pain in the nipple or change in its appearance.
