Diagnostic procedures

Diagnosis is the critical first step in developing a personalized treatment plan. Our doctors at Aurora BayCare Medical Center are experts in cancer symptoms and diagnostic procedures.

Diagnosis expertise: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Our specialists use leading-edge technologies, along with expertise in recognizing cancer signs, to provide rapid and accurate diagnoses of cancer. We offer:

• Sophisticated diagnostic tools: We use the most advanced diagnostic imaging equipment and nuclear medicine techniques to diagnose cancer. Nuclear medicine uses radiotracers made from small amounts of radioactive material to find abnormal cells.
• Collaborative approach: Our specialists bring their expertise together in our Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic and weekly tumor boards. Our team approach means you have multiple experts working to find and treat cancer.
• Innovation focus: We continuously lead and participate in clinical cancer research. This focus on innovation ensures we use the newest diagnostic tools and techniques.

Diagnostic procedures and services

There’s no one way to diagnose cancer. Our experts use a thorough medical history, physical exam and the most advanced technology to make an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic procedures we offer include:

Biopsy

Biopsy is a test in which specialists remove a small amount of tissue. They send these samples, or specimens, to a lab, where trained experts known as pathologists look for cancer cells.

We offer:

• Surgical biopsy: A surgeon removes a tissue sample for a pathologist to examine.
• CT-guided biopsy: Specialists use a CT scan to find potential cancer and remove a tissue sample with a needle.
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy: Doctors use ultrasound images to locate cells that could be cancer. They use a needle to collect small tissue samples.
• Fluoroscopic procedures: Specialists use fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, with or without a special dye known as contrast. During fluoroscopic procedures, doctors can spot potential cancer in areas of the body that aren’t visible.

Experts use specialized biopsy tests to diagnose certain types of cancer. Specialized biopsies we offer include:

• Image-guided frameless stereotactic biopsy: Neuroradiologists use a small needle to collect brain tissue samples when diagnosing neurologic cancer. Thanks to advanced technology, this biopsy requires no frame attached to the skull, making this test safe and more comfortable.
• Stereotactic core biopsy: Specialists in our Breast Health Center perform a mammogram to find potential cancer in the breast. Then, they use a needle to collect a tissue sample during the procedure.

Blood tests

Our cancer experts use blood tests for cancer diagnosis. We look for certain tumor markers, such as proteins or other substances in the blood, that may indicate cancer cells are growing.

Diagnostic imaging

We use sophisticated tools to create images of the inside of the body and locate cancer. Diagnostic imaging tools include:

• CT scan: Also known as a CAT scan, computed tomography (CT) scans create images of the body’s internal structures from different angles.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans make images of your body’s internal organs using a powerful magnet and radio waves.
• PET scan: A positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses a small amount of radioactive material, known as a radiotracer, that travels through the body. This procedure lets our specialists see internal organs, as well as blood flow in the body.
• Ultrasound: These tests, also known as sonograms, make images of the inside of the body from sound waves. Ultrasounds don’t require radiation.
• X-ray: A test that uses a specific type of radiation known as X-ray to create pictures of bones, organs and tissue in the body.

Our experts use specialized diagnostic imaging tools to detect certain cancer types. These specialized tools include:

• Digital mammogram: A mammogram that creates detailed breast images using less radiation. We offer digital mammograms in our Breast Health Center.
• Chest CT scan: A low-radiation CT scan used for lung cancer screening before symptoms appear.
• Virtual colonoscopy: A less-invasive colonoscopy using computers and CT scans to create 3D images of the colon and rectum to detect colorectal.

Endoscopy

We use endoscopy to find cancer in hard-to-get-to places. Specialists insert an endoscope, or flexible tube, with a tiny attached camera to pinpoint cancer’s location.

We also use specialized endoscopy tools to find colorectal cancer. We offer:

• Capsule endoscopy: A swallowed pill-sized capsule containing a wireless camera transmits pictures as it travels through the intestines.
• Ultrasonic endoscopy: An endoscope with an attached ultrasound transducer, inserted into the rectum, creates ultrasound images of the rectum and anus.

Nuclear imaging

Using a low dose of a radioactive substance known as a radiotracer, our cancer specialists scan the body. We find tumors, see if cancer has spread and confirm that treatments are going to the correct location.

Nuclear imaging scans look for cancer in the:

• Bones
• Breasts
• Kidneys
• Lymph nodes
• Thyroid

Research and clinical trials

Our cancer specialists lead and take part in clinical cancer research and clinical trials. Our dedication to research gives you access to the newest cancer treatments right here at home.

Staging cancer for personalized treatment

When we detect cancer, we immediately look for more information about its location. This information helps us categorize, or stage, the cancer to create the most effective treatment plan for you.

Cancer stages are:

• Stage 0: Precancerous tissue or cancer in situ. In situ means cancer hasn’t spread into other tissue.
• Stage 1: Small cancer that remains in the organ where it began.
• Stage 2: Larger cancer that may or may not have moved into lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: Larger cancer that has spread into lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Cancer in a different organ than where it started. This is also known as metastatic cancer.

Request an appointment

Learn more about diagnostic procedures for cancer at Aurora BayCare. Request an appointment with a cancer specialist.