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A diagnosis is built from several pieces of information
A suspected cancer is not yet a confirmed diagnosis. Symptoms, examination, scans and laboratory findings help your team decide what needs investigating. A biopsy takes a sample of tissue or cells; pathology examines the sample to help identify the abnormality. Staging assesses how far a cancer has grown or spread. Selected biomarkers, such as proteins or genetic changes, may then help refine treatment.
These steps do not always happen in a fixed order. Some tests proceed together, and not every person needs every test. The aim is to obtain enough reliable information for a safe decision, without unnecessary procedures or repetition.
Explore each part of the diagnosis pathway
Biopsy and tissue sampling
The team chooses a sampling method and site suited to the clinical question. Ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans may guide a needle. In other situations, the sample is taken during surgery or endoscopy, which uses a thin tube with a light and camera to look inside the body. Planning also considers whether enough material will be needed for additional tests.
A recommended biopsy should not be avoided because of the common fear that it will make cancer worse. The detailed guide explains this concern, the rare exceptions, preparation and aftercare.
Read about biopsy and tissue samplingHistopathology: identifying what the abnormality is
The laboratory examines the sample and may add immunohistochemistry or other tests to determine the diagnosis. The report can identify the tumour type and, where relevant, grade. Grade and stage mean different things.
If a result is uncertain or does not fit the clinical picture, the next step may be further testing, specialist review or repeat sampling. Bring all supplementary reports as well as the initial report.
Understand histopathology and your reportScans and staging: understanding the extent
CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), combined positron emission tomography and CT (PET-CT), ultrasound and mammography answer different questions. The choice depends on the organ, suspected cancer and decision being made. A more complex scan is not automatically the right one.
Imaging can also guide biopsy and provide a baseline for later comparison. Previous scan images help the radiologist assess change over time.
Explore scans and cancer stagingMolecular diagnostics and inherited genetic testing
Tumour biomarkers can help guide care in selected settings. Tests may examine proteins, look for particular genetic changes or read many genes through a method called sequencing. Some questions can be addressed using a liquid biopsy, which looks for cancer-related markers in blood or other body fluids. A useful treatment target is not guaranteed.
Inherited genetic testing is a separate assessment of cancer predisposition. It may affect your own care and provide information for relatives. Genetic counselling helps explain the possible outcomes before and after testing.
Read about molecular and genetic testingBlood tests and tumour markers
Blood counts and tests of kidney or liver function can support assessment and help plan procedures or treatment. Some blood cancers require specialised blood or marrow testing. Tumour markers may be useful for particular diagnoses or follow-up, but a raised marker is not automatically cancer and a normal result does not rule it out.
There is no single routine blood test that can reliably diagnose every cancer. Your doctor interprets the results in context rather than using an isolated number as a diagnosis.
Keeping your investigation plan clear
- Bring existing pathology reports, molecular reports, scan reports and the actual scan images. Ask whether slides or tissue blocks are needed.
- Keep an up-to-date medicine list and mention allergies, blood thinners, implants and relevant health conditions.
- Ask what each test is intended to answer and whether an existing result can be used.
- Confirm procedure-specific preparation and who will explain the results.
- Ask what information is still pending and whether it affects the timing of treatment.
Arranging diagnostic services
Biopsy, histopathology, molecular diagnostics and genetic testing can be coordinated through all four CTI locations. The exact procedure and laboratory pathway depend on your needs; specialised testing may involve a referral laboratory. PET-CT is listed at Bannerghatta Road. Confirm the investigation, preparation and location with your team before travelling.
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