How are blood cancers diagnosed?
The following tests may be used to diagnose blood cancers:
Physical exam
In a physical exam, the doctor will check to see if any of your lymph nodes are swollen, and if your spleen or liver are swollen.
Blood test
In this case, a blood test will be used to determine if the number of certain blood cells or other things in the blood are high or low.
Urine test
Urine samples may be collected to determine if you have a high level of a protein called the Bence Jones protein. The level of this protein may be high with certain cancers.
Biopsy
A biopsy may be used to take samples of your bone marrow to see if there are any cancer cells in it. This may be done through a bone marrow aspiration or a bone needle biopsy.
Cytogenetics
Cytogenetics is a test used to determine if your genetic material has be changed at all. Leukemia cells make certain changes in this material.
Spinal tap
In a spinal tap, the doctor takes some of the clear fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal chord to check it for cancer cells.
Chest X-Ray
The doctor may take an x-ray of your chest to help him see if your lymph nodes are swollen, or if there is bone damage or tumors growing in the bone marrow.
Like us on Facebook!
Join UCAN
