Sarcoma Diagnosis
Advanced diagnosis leads to optimal care
To detect and diagnose sarcomas, our doctors perform thorough exams. They ask questions about your past health and symptoms. They will evaluate you using the latest technology. Options include:
- Computed tomography scan − A CT or CAT scan uses X-rays to make a detailed image of the structures inside the body. A contrast liquid is often injected to make the structures easier to see.
- Magnetic resonance imaging − An MRI uses a magnetic field to visualize your anatomy in a 3D format and determine the quality of the tissue.
- Bone scan − This scan uses nuclear medicine to evaluate the activity of a lesion in bone.
- Positron emission tomography scan − A PET scan uses a special camera that detects cancer through the use of a radioactive liquid injected into the patient. Because cancer cells consume sugar, the accumulation of the liquid at one or multiple sites indicates cancer.
- Image-guided biopsy − Assisted by scans from an MRI and CT, we remove cells from the tumor using a small, hollow needle or through a small incision. The cells are examined under a microscope to determine if they are from a sarcoma, other type of cancer or from a noncancerous disease.
These tests help your healthcare team:
- Detect the presence of a sarcoma
- Pinpoint its location
- Decide what kind of sarcoma it is
- Learn how far it has spread (also called staging)
- Develop a cancer treatment plan
This information helps the team decide the best way to treat you.