Metastasis

How is the disease diagnosed?

The diagnosis of metastasis begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare provider may order various blood tests, including those for tumor markers. X-rays and other imaging studies are often used to diagnose a metastasis. Special X-rays, such as MRIs and CT scans, may be used. These can sometimes find tumors smaller than 1/2 centimeter. Finding even smaller, microscopic metastases would be useful. Future tests may check for cancer genes in parts of the body where tiny metastases are suspected.

Some people are assumed to have microscopic metastasis because of the nature of the primary tumors. They are treated to try to overcome this problem. Sometimes the situation is unclear, and a biopsy may be needed. Testing can involve removal of a lymph node, needle puncture of a tumor, or examination of a bone marrow sample.