ABSTRACT
A wide range of tests can now be used to diagnose cancer, assess its extent, and monitor its progress. Any test provokes anxiety in a patient and they will need the opportunity to safely express their concerns. X-rays are used routinely in the screening for breast cancer, but will also show the common lung cancers. It can be useful in checking for the presence of any spread to bone, but small deposits will not show. CT uses X-rays taken from many angles. These are analysed by computer to produce a detailed image of most tissues. MRI uses the effect of strong magnetic fields on tissues to give much more detailed pictures than CT. Radioisotopes are short-acting radioactive chemicals attached to molecules which will attach to specific tissues. The radiation they give off can then be seen by detectors. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to see into the body. The sound waves are directed at the area to be examined.
