Posts

Showing posts from March, 2025

Biopsy: Understanding the Procedure and its Importance

Image
  Biopsy: Understanding the Procedure and its Importance   What is a biopsy? A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves removing a small tissue sample from the body for examination under a microscope. The tissue can be taken from:   A suspicious lump or mass   An abnormal area seen on an imaging test   A fluid sample   Purpose of a Biopsy in Cancer Diagnosis: The primary purpose of a biopsy is to determine whether a suspicious area is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). It is often the only way to definitively diagnose most cancers.   Here's why it's so important: Confirmation of Cancer: Imaging tests (like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) can often detect abnormal areas, but they cannot definitively determine if those areas are cancerous. A biopsy is needed to confirm the presence of cancer cells.   Determining the Type of Cancer: If cancer is present, the biopsy can help determi...

Imaging Tests for Cancer: From X-rays to PET Scans

Image
    Imaging Tests for Cancer : From X-rays to PET Scans X-rays: What types of cancers can be detected using X-rays? X-rays are a valuable tool in medical imaging and can be used to detect several types of cancer. Here are some of the main cancers that can be detected using X-rays:   1. Lung Cancer: Chest X-rays can help detect lung tumors or abnormalities in the lungs.   However, small lung nodules can be difficult to see on a standard chest X-ray, so low-dose CT scans are now the recommended screening method for people at high risk of lung cancer. 2. Bone Cancer: X-rays are often the first imaging test used to evaluate bone pain or suspected bone abnormalities. They can help detect bone tumors, fractures caused by weakened bones (pathologic fractures), and other bone abnormalities associated with cancer.   3. Breast Cancer: Mammography, a specific type of X-ray of the breast, is the pr...