How Are Tumors Diagnosed? Procedures and Tests Explained

A tumor diagnosis often begins with symptoms that prompt a doctor’s visit. While not all tumors are cancerous, determining their nature and impact is essential for developing a treatment plan. Here’s an overview of how tumors are diagnosed, including the procedures and tests your healthcare team may recommend.

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

Diagnosis starts with a thorough discussion of your medical history and symptoms. Your doctor will ask:

• When symptoms began and how they’ve progressed
• Whether you have a family history of tumors or cancer
• About lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and exposure to toxins

During the physical exam, they will check for lumps, abnormal growths, or neurological changes, depending on the reported symptoms.

2. Imaging Tests

If a tumor is suspected, imaging tests provide crucial details about its size, location, and possible spread.

• X-rays: Often used for detecting bone tumors or lung masses.
• Ultrasound: Helps identify soft tissue tumors, especially in the abdomen or pelvis.
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Produces detailed cross-sectional images of internal structures to pinpoint tumors and guide biopsies.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides high-resolution images, especially useful for detecting soft tissue and brain tumor symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, or coordination issues.
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: Helps assess metabolic activity in tumors and detect cancer spread.

3. Laboratory Tests

Blood, urine, or other body fluid tests can identify markers associated with specific types of tumors. For example:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Detects abnormal blood cells in blood cancers.
• Tumor markers: Substances produced by some tumors, such as PSA for prostate cancer or CA-125 for ovarian cancer.

While these tests alone don’t diagnose cancer, they provide important clues for further evaluation.

4. Biopsy

A biopsy is often essential for a definitive diagnosis. It involves removing a sample of tissue from the tumor to examine under a microscope. Types include:

• Needle biopsy: Using a thin needle to extract tissue or fluid from a lump.
• Core biopsy: Uses a larger needle to remove a small cylinder of tissue.
• Incisional biopsy: Removes part of the tumor.
• Excisional biopsy: Removes the entire lump if it’s small enough.

A pathologist analyzes the biopsy to determine if the tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), as well as its specific type and grade.

5. Endoscopic Procedures

For tumors inside body cavities or organs, doctors use endoscopic tools. Examples include:

• Colonoscopy: For colon tumors.
• Bronchoscopy: For lung tumors.
• Cystoscopy: For bladder tumors.

These procedures allow visual examination and biopsies at the same time.

6. Genetic Testing

In some cases, especially for cancers with a hereditary component, genetic testing helps identify mutations that increase tumor risk. It also assists in selecting targeted therapies for certain cancer types.

Diagnosing a tumor involves multiple steps, from physical exams and imaging to laboratory tests and biopsies. Each procedure plays a role in understanding the tumor’s nature and guiding treatment decisions.