What is Oncologic Diagnosis?
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow and multiply uncontrollably. These cells spread to various parts of the body, sometimes not. For an oncological diagnosis, the doctor must first suspect cancer. In order to be able to consult a doctor, it is also important to keep track of changes in one’s body. Early signs of cancer include differences in your body’s normal processes, such as changes in your daily habits. Unexplained lump development is also a common symptom. However, these do not always mean that a person has cancer. It is therefore important to be diagnosed by a doctor. The diagnosis can also be made during check-ups.
Many cancer cells grow slowly and symptoms can take a long time to develop. But early diagnosis is an important factor for treatment. It can also take time to diagnose cancer correctly. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or ultrasound. For a definitive diagnosis, a tissue sample may need to be taken from the suspected cancer site. This procedure, known as a biopsy, involves taking a sample of tissue that will be examined in the laboratory for cancer risk.
Early detection programs aim to reduce the proportion of patients diagnosed late. Early diagnosis can increase survival rates, especially for cancers of the breast, cervix, mouth, larynx, bowel and skin. Early diagnosis is important for treatment not only in these cancers but in all cancers.
Which diseases are detected by oncologic diagnosis?
Any type of cancer that develops in the human body can be diagnosed by oncological diagnosis. If you suspect that you or someone close to you has an anser, do not neglect to contact a health care provider for the necessary checks. Some of the most common and diagnosed cancers are as follows:
- Bladder Cancer: The bladder is a small organ at the bottom of the stomach that stores urine. Bladder cancer is when abnormal cells in the bladder grow and divide uncontrollably. It has a better chance of cure when diagnosed early.
- Breast Cancer: Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally and form a tumor. Symptoms can include a lump in the breast, discharge from the nipple and changes in the appearance of the breast. Regular breast screenings are especially important for early detection.
- Bowel Cancer: Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, occurs when cells in the wall of the large intestine grow abnormally and form a tumor. It can start to show itself early with bloody stools from the rectum or changes in bowel habits. A late diagnosis can reduce people’s chances of survival. It is therefore important that oncologic diagnosis is made early.
- Kidney Cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in the kidney tissue. It starts small but grows over time and can eventually spread to other parts of the body. The cancer usually develops in the part of the kidney that processes blood. Kidney cancers that are detected early are usually curable.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably. The cancer may start to grow in the lungs first, or it may spread to the lungs from a cancer elsewhere in the body. Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and spreads quickly. Lung cancer is diagnosed through a series of tests and scans. Scans such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT) to visualize the lung may be needed if there are signs of cancer.
- Lymphoma: The lymphatic system consists of a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes throughout the body. Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Although lymphoma is a serious disease, there are various treatment options. There are two subclasses, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. For a definitive diagnosis, a biopsy sample is taken from the affected lymph node. This sample can be checked and a definitive diagnosis can be made.
- Pancreatic Cancer: The pancreas is an organ close to the stomach and small intestine. It is a gland that helps digest food and releases hormones, including insulin, into the bloodstream. Cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably. Oncologic diagnosis can determine whether people with symptoms have cancer.
- Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow inside the prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system. Some prostate cancers spread quickly but most tend to grow slowly. Symptoms of prostate cancer include problems urinating and pain in the lower back, thighs or buttocks. The risk of prostate cancer can increase in relation to factors such as family history, ethnicity and age. Regular screenings are therefore recommended for early detection.
Which methods are used to diagnose oncologic diseases?
If the doctor suspects cancer, he or she may order tests such as urine and blood tests, CT scans, MRI ultrasound or X-rays. If these tests increase the suspicion of cancer, a biopsy sample will be taken for a definitive oncologic diagnosis. The tests and procedures used to diagnose cancer vary depending on the type of cancer, the possibility of spread and the needs of each patient. Laboratory tests used to diagnose cancer are used to detect high or low levels of certain substances in the body. Laboratory test results are used together with the results of other tests, such as biopsies and imaging, to help diagnose and learn more about a person’s cancer. Laboratory results for healthy people can vary from person to person for reasons such as age, gender, race, medical history and general health. Methods that can be used for oncologic diagnosis include:
- Biochemistry: Biochemical tests measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. These substances include metabolites, electrolytes, fats, sugars and proteins, including enzymes. Biochemical tests give important information about the health of the kidneys, liver and other organs. High or low levels of certain substances in the blood can be a sign of disease or a side effect of treatment. Biochemistry tests can also measure the number of white blood cells and platelets. They can also measure the amount of hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein) in the blood, the amount of red blood cells (hematocrit) in the blood, the size of red blood cells and the amount of hemoglobin in the body.
- Digital Pathology: Biopsy is a procedure used by healthcare providers to obtain cells, tissues, fluids from a person’s body to be examined under a microscope. Samples taken as a result of a biopsy are examined in a pathology laboratory to investigate the presence of cancerous cells. Biopsies can be taken during an operation or just as a small sample taken without removing the tissues. The sample is examined in the laboratory according to the tissue. If abnormal cell divisions are detected, these results can be used for a definitive diagnosis of cancer. Samples taken with digital pathology are used to obtain error-free results in a digital environment.
- Nuclear Medicine: A nuclear medicine PET/CT scan is a type of nuclear scan that creates detailed 3D images of suspected areas of the body. Cancer cells can usually take up more glucose than normal cells, so a glucose-based contrast agent is given to the body before the nuclear medicine scan. In the images obtained with this substance, images of structures that may be cancerous are also obtained. Before the nuclear medicine scan, a substance called radioactive glucose is injected into the body. During the scan, the patient must lie still on a table that is moved back and forth by the scanner. The results are computerized and can be reviewed by the doctor.
- Radiology: Radiology unit uses various imaging methods for oncologic diagnosis. These checks are carried out using devices such as CT scan and MRI. A CT scan is used to obtain a series of pictures of organs at different angles. The device uses an x-ray machine connected to a computer. The resulting images are used to create detailed 3D images of the inside of the body. Some people may be given a contrast agent before the scan begins. The CT machine moves back and forth around the body creating the images. MRI uses powerful radio waves to take pictures of the body in slices. These slices are combined to create detailed images that can show where tumors may be inside the body. The MRI machine makes rhythmic beats, but these are not felt by the person. Sometimes a special dye may be injected into the vein before the MRI scan. This dye, called contrast dye, makes tumors in the body appear brighter in the pictures.
Oncological diagnosis involves important procedures that affect the cancer treatment process. For this reason, it should be performed by specialist doctors using technologically appropriate devices. People with suspected cancer should consult a health institution as soon as possible. At the same time, you can make an appointment with the relevant unit and perform your necessary controls in our institution.