“Cancer” is the word that nobody wants to hear as they sit in the doctor’s office, yet the bad news can come when you least expect it. People diagnosed with the illness often say they were stunned when they heard the news and are unable to process what was being said afterward. Once you are past the initial shock, your next steps will be crucial.
At New Home Unlimited, we are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive treatment for different immune disorders and chronic degenerative diseases. Our mission is to give a warm and caring environment for patients to feel secure as they
battle one of life’s toughest challenges. Treatment decisions are still best made between patients and their doctors, but here’s a quick guide on ways you can be tested for the most common types of cancer.
Bladder Cancer
This begins when healthy cells in the bladder lining, typically urothelial cells, change and begins to form a tumor. If it is cancerous, it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor, on the other hand, will mature but not spread.
The earlier the bladder cancer is found, the higher the chance of making a full recovery. However, since there is not yet a test accurate enough to screen the general population, the illness is often detected only when the patient starts to show symptoms.
If there is blood in your urine, your doctor may request for a urine cytology to check for tumor cells. Cystoscopy is also a key diagnostic method for bladder cancer. It allows the medic to see inside the body using a thin, lighted, flexible tube called cystoscopy. It can spot masses forming in the bladder and determine the need for a surgery or biopsy. Imaging tests such as a Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound are also used to locate and measure the size of the tumor.
Breast Cancer
Since 1989, breast cancer death rates have been decreasing dramatically, mostly due to early detection and treatment advances. Mammography is an excellent tool doctors use to screen healthy women for this condition. However, its digital and 3D standards are more accurate in finding small cancers compared to traditional mammography tests. Women at the age of 40 can start taking these screenings every year or two, according to the American Cancer Society.
For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only sure way for the physician to know whether an area of the body has abnormal growth. In this procedure, the doctor takes a small sample of tissue for testing in the laboratory. If this test is not possible, image screening can help detect suspicious lumps.
Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer usually starts as a polyp, which develops on the inner wall of the colon or rectum as people age. If not removed or treated, it has the potential to become life-threatening cancer. If your family has a history with this condition, talk to your doctor about when you should start having regular screenings.
During a colonoscopy, the patient is sedated to allow the doctor to look through the entire colon and rectum for polyps. He or she can then proceed to remove polyps or other tissue to prevent cancer as well as to use for further testing. Blood tests, biopsy, and molecular testing of the tumor also help with diagnosing colon cancer.
Kidney Cancer
This is the tenth most common cancer for women, and sixth for men. This year, nearly 65,340 adults will be diagnosed with kidney cancer. Unfortunately, routine screenings for early detection are not yet available. For those with a family history of kidney cancers, renal ultrasounds or CT scans are sometimes suggested to discover the early-stage condition.
Blood and urine tests, as well as imaging procedures, are common ways to confirm cancer. On rare occasions, the doctor may perform a cystoscopy and ureteroscopy to examine tumor cells or completely destroy them. This is usually done for renal pelvic cancer than renal cell carcinoma unless imaging shows a stone or mass in the bladder.
Lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin
This disease accounts for 4.3 percent of all cancers in the U.S. and will be responsible for more than 19,000 deaths in 2018. Because the lymph system is throughout the body, any connected organ may contract Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Compared to other tests, only a biopsy can make a definitive diagnosis and find the subtype of the illness. The doctor can take the sample tissue from the abdomen or chest during a CT scan or ultrasound. Since Non-Hodgkin lymphoma has numerous subtypes, it is always safe to get a second opinion including a formal review of previous biopsies.
Lung Cancer – Non-Small Cell
No matter the location, size, or places cancer has spread, lung cancer is always treatable. Aside from biopsy, a pulmonologist or a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of lung diseases can perform a bronchoscopy to take samples of fluid or tissue so the pathologist can examine them.
Learn About Your Diagnosis
Cancer is a group of more than 100 diseases, and pinpointing your exact type of cancer or cancer-related syndrome will help with finding more effective treatment options. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because the almost all the information you will receive will be new and unfamiliar. Consider bringing a friend or family member to your appointments to help listen and take notes.
When choosing a diagnostic test, your physician will consider your age and medical condition, the severity of the symptoms, the type of cancer suspected, and previous test results. Some tests may have side effects so it’s important to weigh your options carefully with your doctor. Some procedures may be commonly used in cancer care but should be questioned in specific situations.
Accommodating Your Needs
Regardless of your specific diagnosis, our seasoned medical team at New Hope Unlimited can help you fight your condition. We have worked on more than 200 cases of cancer that we are confident in our ability to develop a strategy to get you through recovery. Contact us today at (480) 473-9808 to discuss your treatment options.
