A caregiver providing comfort to a cancer patient

Cancer Diagnosis

From blood tests to imaging studies to biopsies, your doctor will need to conduct certain exams to confirm a cancer diagnosis. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare.

Female scientist organising samples - stock photo

What Biopsied Cancer Cells Look Like Under the Microscope

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD

An Elderly Gentleman in His Doctors Office Receiving a Check-Up

With many prostate treatment options available, which one is the best for you?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

woman about to receive a nuclear imaging scan

Using a PET Scan for Cancer Staging and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD

Asian woman in 60s embracing her mid-30s daughter who is fighting cancer and is wearing a headcovering. They are seated on a couch and have contemplative expressions.

How Does Cancer Actually Kill You?

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD

blood test vials examined

Blood Tests Used to Diagnose and Screen for Cancer

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

An Indian doctor is giving an explanation of his patients' lung x-rays

An Overview of Cancer Stages

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD

A doctor and cancer patient review test results.

How Does Carcinoma Differ From Other Cancers?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

daughter supporting and hugging her Mom with cancer

Does Stage 4 Cancer Mean That It Is Terminal?

By Jennifer Welsh

Asian woman diagnosis patient nurse tablet

What Is Stage 3 Cancer?

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD

Imaging technologist is working with mammography X-ray scanner in hospital - stock photo

Common Barriers to Recommended Cancer Screenings

Medically reviewed by Anju Goel, MD, MPH

lab tech doing genetic testing for bBRCA in a cancer patient

Testing for gBRCA in People with Cancer

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD

Doctor talking with patient at desk in medical office - stock photo

Cancer Screenings: Which You Might Need

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD

genomic testing for BRAF mutations in cancer

BRAF Testing for Tumor Mutations

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Flow cytometry, illustration.

How Flow Cytometry Is Used in Cell Testing

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

sarcoma ribbon against carcinoma ribbon colors illustrating differences

What is the Difference Between a Sarcoma and a Carcinoma?

Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD

Woman consulting with her doctor

How is Cancer Diagnosed?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Technician performing bone marrow transplant

What Is a Bone Marrow Biopsy?

Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD

Nurse discussing medical chart with patient in waiting room

Understand Why Doctors Use the Term Stable Disease in Cancer Treatment

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Lymphocytes and cancer cell

Differences Between a Malignant and Benign Tumor

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

family in hospital

When Cancer at a Young Age Runs in the Family

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Pensive Black Businessman Looking Away

What Do You Mean You Don't Know What Kind of Cancer I Have?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A man sits in a doctor’s office.

Symptoms of "Liquid Tumors" to Be on the Lookout For

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A distressed mother talking to her daughter

Have You Been Diagnosed With Cancer? How to Tell Family and Friends

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

close up of a mole

The Different Between Benign and Malignant Neoplasms

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Mature woman with her hair in a wrap looking out the window

Is It Possible to Catch Cancer?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A patient undergoing a CT scan.

What a PET Scan Can Catch Before Other Tests Can

Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD

Sitting in office, doctor has serious conversation with patient

Heart Cancer: Understanding Cardiac Tumors and Cancers

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD