Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/mac/Program/c06.dxr/00088_Field_SRC.c06.C.13.txt

Text File | 1997-01-28 | 1KB | 18 lines

• Tissue should be removed by biopsy for microscopic examination if a mass is still present after fluid is
  removed, if blood is removed, if abnormal cells are found in the fluid, if no fluid can be aspirated or if the mass
  returns two weeks later ( See Biopsy Diagram .)
• Chest x-rays will assess lungs, ribs and the spine for metastases. Specialized x-rays of other areas may be done
  if there are specific bodily complaints.
• Bone scan will rule out bone metastases. This is often not necessary with small cancers.
• An abdominal CT scan or ultrasound may be done to evaluate the liver, especially if the serum alkaline
  phosphatase (a bone and liver enzyme) is elevated.

Blood and Other Tests
• If breast cancer is diagnosed, additional tests will be requested.
• Blood counts and chemistry panel to determine organ function and detect metastases, including liver function
  tests (alkaline phosphatase, LDH and SGOT).
• Tumor marker blood tests—including serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 15-3—may be
  performed to help determine prognosis and response to therapy.
• Tumor tissue tests, including hormone receptors, DNA and other protein markers with potential diagnostic and
  prognostic value.