If you have symptoms that indicate you may have cancer, your doctor is likely to order a series of tests to help confirm a diagnosis. In most cases, cancer is not detected and you can get back to your normal everyday life. But testing is the only way to be sure and if it turns out that you do need further treatment you should start this as soon as possible to give yourself the best possible chance of a full recovery.
During your initial appointment with a Spire consultant, you will discuss your medical history and any symptoms you've been experiencing.
We offer a wide range of diagnostic tests including blood samples and imaging such as CT, MRI scanning and endoscopy. Endoscopy is a procedure that examines the inside of your digestive tract using a flexible tube with a light and camera attached.
Laboratory analysis of blood, stool and tissue samples might also be used as part of your testing.
Other tests include PSA and PCA3 testing for prostate cancer, CA125 testing for ovarian cancer and CEA for lung, colon, bowel, testicular and pancreas cancer. Urine analysis can be conducted to help detect bladder and kidney cancer.
Histological (microscopic) analysis of a biopsy or small tissue sample is also common. These tests are conducted by taking a small sample of tissue for analysis in our laboratories.
We pride ourselves on our clinical excellence, you'll be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team.