How is Cancer Diagnosed?
Video Transcript
Cancer happens when cells within our bodies develop errors and continue to create new cells containing those same errors. These errors errors can cause the cells to divide uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor in a specific body area.
CANCER TYPE CLASSIFICATIONS
Cancer is organized into different types for diagnosis or classification purposes based on what tissue is involved. The five main types of cancer are carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. Many things can prompt a physician to test for cancer, such as lumps under the skin, abnormal areas on the skin, or otherwise unexplained pain.
HOW’S A CANCER DIAGNOSIS DETERMINED
A cancer diagnosis is determined after a patient has had various types of diagnostic testing. Testing includes lab work which looks at levels of different biomolecules in blood and urine, diagnostic imaging like x-rays and MRIs, biopsies, and visual endoscopic exams like a colonoscopy. A biopsy removes a small area of the tumor so that a pathologist can look at the cells under a microscope to determine if they are cancer cells and identify which type. Physicians use several diagnostic tests to confirm the presence, type, and stage of cancer.
GENETIC TESTING FOR CANCER RISKS
Genetic testing can also be used in cancer diagnosis. Some people use the term “genetic testing” to mean slightly different things. In this case, we are referring to a test that specifically looks at genetic factors inherited by an individual’s parents that can increase the risk of developing cancer. Inherited gene information can sometimes be helpful to a physician in understanding potential risks to patients and their families. However, genetic tests that only look at inherited genes cannot precisely identify the gene mutations specific to an individual tumor.
Caris Life Sciences uses industry-leading technology that directly tests DNA, RNA, and proteins to identify the gene mutation responsible for your cancer. This information is vital in helping oncologists guide and direct the most appropriate and precise treatment plan.
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DNA is the molecule that contains all the genetic information that makes up who we are. While the DNA code is very similar among all humans, it is still unique to each person, which gives us individuality and diversity within our species.
When the DNA of a cell develops a mutation, the mutation can affect the function of a protein in a way that influences cellular reproduction and functions, causing cells to grow uncontrollably.