Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Are There Any Definitive Tests That Could Detect Malignancy Which Don T Include Biopsies, CAT Scans, Or Any Other Invasive Tests?
Dear Doctor:
Are there any definitive tests that could detect malignancy which don't include biopsies, PET scans, CAT scans, or any other invasive tests? Do you know of a Dr. Tucker who invented a Hemotoxilin(sp?) test?
Many thanks for your insight in this matter. The information is for someone I love very much.
Hi carol
The diagnosis of a malignancy involves the following process
1. High clinical suspicion / Clinical probability ( based on the history of specific complaints/Age & Sex of the person/ethnicity/family history/life style related factors of the person etc)
2. screening tests ( usually simple, cost effective & non invasive tests )
3. Confirmatory tests (usually an invasive test like Biopsy)
is there a definitive test to detect malignancy, which are non invasive..i must say no. Since all theses non invasive tests are not very sensitive ( Ability to detect a particular disease in question) or specific ( ability to rule out particular disease in question). That means some uncertainty will be there what ever may be the result of a screening test.
But if you can mention the specific malignancy about which you are concerned, we can answer you better
take care
I find this answer helpful
3 Doctors agree with this answer
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Are There Any Definitive Tests That Could Detect Malignancy Which Don T Include Biopsies, CAT Scans, Or Any Other Invasive Tests?
Hi carol The diagnosis of a malignancy involves the following process 1. High clinical suspicion / Clinical probability ( based on the history of specific complaints/Age & Sex of the person/ethnicity/family history/life style related factors of the person etc) 2. screening tests ( usually simple, cost effective & non invasive tests ) 3. Confirmatory tests (usually an invasive test like Biopsy) is there a definitive test to detect malignancy, which are non invasive..i must say no. Since all theses non invasive tests are not very sensitive ( Ability to detect a particular disease in question) or specific ( ability to rule out particular disease in question). That means some uncertainty will be there what ever may be the result of a screening test. But if you can mention the specific malignancy about which you are concerned, we can answer you better take care