Description Cancer is character...
Description
Cancer is characterized by an abnormal growth and spread of cells. Cancer is not a single disease. It can affect virtually any organ or tissue in the body. Its aggressiveness is highly variable, ranging from aggressive and rapidly life-threatening to slow-growing with little impact on the health of the organ or tissue.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the cancer. The most common are fatigue, bloody stool, a change in bowel or urinary habits, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, a breast lump and breathing problems. Cancer may cause no symptoms, especially early in the disease.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Lab and imaging tests are done to define the extent of the cancer. Frequently, a biopsy is performed to identify the type of cancer.
Tests:
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Biopsy, PET CT scan
Specialists:
Cancer Care (oncology), Nuclear Medicine, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Surgical Oncology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Lab and imaging tests are done to define the extent of the cancer. Frequently, a biopsy is performed to identify the type of cancer.
Tests:
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Biopsy, PET CT scan
Specialists:
Cancer Care (oncology), Nuclear Medicine, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Surgical Oncology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the location and extent of the cancer and may include: surgery, radiation therapy, hormone treatments and/or chemotherapy.