There are a number of tests that can be used to detect the presence of cancer. These include:

• blood tests - some forms of cancers release proteins into the blood,
• X-Rays ,
• a magnetic resonance (MRI) scan ,
• a computerized tomography (CT) scan , and
• an endoscopy - where a flexible tube with a camera on the end is used to look inside your body.

Biopsy

If the presence of cancer is suspected, a diagnosis can normally be confirmed by carrying out a biopsy. This is a procedure that involves surgically removing a small piece of affected tissue and then testing it for the presence of cancerous cells.

Biopsies are very useful for diagnosing cancer, and they can often be used to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, or the likelihood that it will spread.

Additional biopsies may also be carried out on the nearest lymph nodes to the site of the cancer in order to check that the cancer has not started spreading through the lymphatic system.