Diagnostic Services
The first step in treating liver or pancreatic cancer is accurate diagnosis and staging. If your doctor suspects you have cancer he may order one or more diagnostice tests.
At the Bennett Cancer Center, patients have access to the most advanced diagnostic tools available:
Endoscope: Diagnostic gasterenterology procedures often utilized include endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograhy, or ERCP.
Ultrasound: During an ultrasound, a technician uses a small instrument that glides along your skin that reveals your organs on a screen. The ultrasound uses high energy waves that bounce off organs to reveal an image. It is completely painless and allows doctors to get a good look at the liver.
Laparoscopy: A laparoscopy is an exploratory surgical procedure. Tiny incisions are made into the abdomen and a lighted scope is inserted for the surgeon to view the organs. The surgeon is looking for abnormalities or signs of disease.
Biopsy: A biopsy made be done during the laparoscopy or during an ultrasound. A very fine needle is inserted through the skin to the liver and a small sample of cells is taken.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT imaging combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. CT imaging is one of the best and fastest tools for studying the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: MRI is a noninvasive way for your doctor to examine your organs, tissues and skeletal system. It produces high-resolution images that help diagnose a variety of problems and may be used to detect tumors or abnormalities in your panceas or liver.
X-ray: X-rays are diagnostic tests that use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. X-rays may be taken of any part of the body to detect a tumor (or cancer).
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).