Types of tests and their descriptions
Biopsy: a doctor takes a tiny part of the lump or tumour inside the body – cells – to see if they are healthy or not. This test shows if cancer is in the body.
Bronchoscopy: a test where a long tube with a tiny light and camera attached to it is put down your throat into your lungs so a doctor can have a look.
Colonoscopy: a test where a tube with a tiny light and camera attached to it is put gently into your bottom to have a look at the bowel.
CT scan / CAT scan: a test that takes pictures of the inside of the body to help a doctor find a tumour or find out what is wrong. The initials stand for ‘computerised tomography’ or ‘computerised axial tomography’. Sometimes, a coloured liquid is swallowed or put into the body with a needle – it is a type of dye to help some things be seen more clearly. This is called contrast.
Cystoscopy: a test where a thin tube with a tiny light and camera is put into your bladder where wee comes out.
Gastroscopy: a test where a tube with a tiny light and camera attached to it is put gently into the throat, stomach and upper part of the tummy (small intestine).
Laparoscopy: a test where a doctor puts a tube with a light and camera into your belly so that can look inside.
Lumbar puncture: a test to take fluid out of your spine to check for any problems.
Mammogram: an x-ray test that takes pictures of breast tissue to show up lumps or changes.
MRI scan: a test that takes pictures of the inside of the body. You need to lay down and a machine moves around your body. The machine is very noisy, which can be a bit frightening at first. The machine doesn't touch you. MRI stands for ‘magnetic resonance imaging’. Sometimes, a coloured liquid is swallowed or put into the body with a needle – it is a type of dye to help some things be seen more clearly. This is called contrast.
PET scan: a special type of scan that takes pictures of the inside of the body to look at cancer more clearly, using a liquid that is injected into the body. PET stands for 'positron emission tomography'.
Ultrasound: A test where a hand-held special camera is moved over your body to get a picture of what is going on inside the body, looking at the part the doctor wants to check. It can show where and how big a lump is, if there is one.
X-ray: a picture that is taken of inside the body, looking at the part the doctor wants to check. It can show if there is a lump, and where and how big it is.