If your cat or dog has a symptom that might suggest the presence of cancer, the veterinarian must first find out whether it
is indeed due to cancer or to some other medical cause. The diagnosis of cancer is not always simple and may require
extensive 'detective' work using a variety of tests. Physical examination may be useful in detecting the presence of tumors
that are easily visible (e.g. on the pet's skin or in the mouth) or that are detectable by touch (e.g. masses in the abdomen).
For most cancers, however, this type of examination is not sufficient and more tests are required in order to reach a
definitive diagnosis and to evaluate how advanced the cancer is. Depending on the suspected type of tumor, these tests
will usually involve a combination of physical exam, blood and urine tests, imaging studies, cytology and ultimately biopsy.
Biopsy has been the gold standard of cancer diagnosis and should be done prior to initiating any type of treatment
whenever possible.
is indeed due to cancer or to some other medical cause. The diagnosis of cancer is not always simple and may require
extensive 'detective' work using a variety of tests. Physical examination may be useful in detecting the presence of tumors
that are easily visible (e.g. on the pet's skin or in the mouth) or that are detectable by touch (e.g. masses in the abdomen).
For most cancers, however, this type of examination is not sufficient and more tests are required in order to reach a
definitive diagnosis and to evaluate how advanced the cancer is. Depending on the suspected type of tumor, these tests
will usually involve a combination of physical exam, blood and urine tests, imaging studies, cytology and ultimately biopsy.
Biopsy has been the gold standard of cancer diagnosis and should be done prior to initiating any type of treatment
whenever possible.
© 2007 Pet Cancer Center. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Last updated 11/23/08
| PET CANCER CENTER Comprehensive guide to cancer diagnosis and treatment in cats and dogs |
Introduction
