Know All About Diagnosis Of Blood Cancer | Cancer Care Trust

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The doctor usually performs a detailed physical examination and notes the history of symptoms.

Laboratory tests, bone marrow studies, and imaging studies are useful in diagnosing and identifying the subtype of blood cancer.

1. Physical examination

Your doctor will look for physical signs of blood cancer such as pale skin from anemia, swelling of your lymph nodes, and enlargement of your liver and spleen.

2. Laboratory tests

Flow cytometry aids in the detection of antigens present on or inside the cells based on their specific characteristics. It also helps in monitoring the recurrence of the disease, assessing the extent of cancer, and checking the efficacy of ongoing treatment.
Cytochemistry helps in the diagnosis of different types of acute blood cancers with the use of cytochemical stains.
Complete blood count (CBC) is required to study the quantities and morphology of the different blood cells.
Peripheral smear examination is necessary to evaluate the blood cells in greater detail.
Supportive tests like coagulation profile, kidney function test, liver function test, etc., may be essential to evaluate the overall health status.

3. Bone marrow studies & biopsy

Bone marrow biopsy is a procedure in which a needle is used to withdraw a sample of the cancerous cells or tissue from the bone marrow. It uses the immunohistochemistry technique which helps in the diagnosis of abnormal cells such as those found in cancerous tumors or tumor markers.
Bone marrow aspiration is a procedure in which a sample is drawn from the fluid portion in the bone marrow with the help of a fine needle. It uses the cytochemistry technique to check cancerous cells.
Lymph node FNAC & biopsy is used to examine lesions or lumps inside the body observed by touch or during a scan to detect tumors in different parts of the body.

4. Imaging studies

A PET CT scan (whole body) may be performed to check for signs of blood cancer in the body.
CT Scan not only helps to check for the presence of cancerous cells but also plays a vital role in the treatment of blood cancer such as bone marrow transplant.
Your doctor may order a chest X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan if you have symptoms that indicate a complication of leukemia.

5. Lumbar puncture

A lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) may be ordered to see if cancer had spread to the spinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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