Diagnosis
Usually, when a doctor first suspects cancer, some type of imaging study, such as x-ray, ultrasonography, or computed tomography (CT), is performed. For example, a person with chronic cough and weight loss might have a chest x-ray; a person with recurrent headaches and trouble seeing might have a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of their head. Although these tests can show the presence, location, and size of an abnormal mass, they cannot confirm that cancer is the cause. Cancer is confirmed by finding cancer cells on microscopic examination of samples from the suspected area. Usually, the sample must be a piece of tissue, although sometimes examination of the blood is adequate (such as in leukemia). Obtaining a tissue sample is termed a biopsy. Biopsies can be performed by cutting out a small piece of tissue with a scalpel, but very commonly the sample is obtained using a hollow needle. Such tests are commonly done without the need for an overnight hospital stay (outpatient procedure). Doctors often use ultrasonography or a CT scan to guide the needle to the right location. Because biopsies can be painful, the person is usually given a local anesthetic to numb the area.
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