Types Of Cancer Screening Tests

You may know there are different stages of cancer and early detection is crucial to treat the disease. Cancer has minor symptoms at the beginning, which worsen and become more dangerous to your health as the disease progresses. Therefore, it is best to diagnose cancer at an initial stage. Different screening tests are available to diagnose different types of cancers.

 

Continue reading if you want to know about different types of cancer screening tests available in various healthcare clinics.

Screening Tests for Cancers

Cancer is a complex life-threatening disease that is, unfortunately, on the rise in recent years. Scientists have identified symptoms, screening tests, and treatments to help people prevent, diagnose, and treat cancers safely and effectively. The goals for a screening test are:

• To reduce the advancement of different types of cancer.
• To properly diagnose the nature and severity of cancer.

Types Of Screening Tests

The symptoms and screening techniques of different cancers are different, which means we have different cancer screening and diagnostic tests. Let’s discuss notable screening tests for common cancers:

Breast Cancer

• Mammography: It is a type of X-ray that aims at viewing the internal breast tissues—the images produced after this screening test show any irregularities and tumors.
• Breast Self-Examination: A self-exam is recommended to all women once a month. Just viewing in a mirror and gently touching can highlight any changes.
• Clinical Breast Examination: Here, a professional observes the breasts by looking at and touching the breasts. A professional can detect minor changes in shape and size.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Though not common for this purpose, MRI can help women who suffer from dense breasts and lumps.

Cervical Cancer

• Pap Test: A sample of cells from the outer side of the cervix are obtained to be examined by a pathologist.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing: By rubbing, cells from the outer side of the cervix are obtained and tested for specific strains of HPV.

Colorectal Cancer

• Colonoscopy: A doctor inserts a colonoscope into the rectum so that the entire colon can be checked properly.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A doctor uses a sigmoidoscope to check the lower colon for cancer and growth.
• Stool DNA Tests: The analysis of DNA from the stool can help determine if colonoscopy is required.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): A professional looks for any blood (a sign of growth) in the feces.
• Double Contrast Barium Enema: This is simply an X-ray of the rectum and colon. If a person cannot have a colonoscopy, this is a good option.

Head and Neck Cancers

• General Health Screening Examination: To check for abnormalities, the doctor looks in the mouth, throat, and nose. Panoramic dental x-ray, head MRI, endoscopy, and CT of the sinuses can detect neck and head cancers.

Lung Cancer

• Low-Dose Helical or Spiral Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Using an X-ray machine, a CT scan creates a 3D image of the body’s internal organs. Afterward, a computer program combines pictures to create a cross-sectional view, highlighting abnormalities (if any).

Prostate Cancer

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): A doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into a man’s rectum. By doing this, the doctor checks for irregularities by feeling the surface of the prostate.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: PSA is a substance, and PSA test is a blood test to measure PSA level. Please note that men with prostate cancer usually have a higher level of PSA.

Skin Cancer

• Dermoscopy: A device helps the doctor to examine pigmentation and lesions.
• Complete Skin Examination: During a detailed examination, a doctor looks for the symptoms of skin cancer.
• Skin Self-Examination: All of us should perform a routine self-exam in front of a large mirror.

Risks Of Screening

Though screening tests are crucial because they help detect cancer at an early and treatable stage, some risks are possible in rare cases. Our experts make sure people prevent the following when they undergo a cancer screening:

• Overdiagnosis
• False positives
• Increased testing
• False reassurance

Cost of Cancer Screening Tests

The cost is a significant concern for most patients. Different clinics and labs charge different prices for cancer screening tests. Unlike many other clinics, the Euromed® Clinic Center Dubai charges a reasonable fee for various cancer screening tests. If you want to know the exact cost of cancer screening tests, please feel free to get in touch with us.

Book an Appointment Now

If you are interested in knowing more about cancer screening, please do not hesitate to visit our clinic. One of our experts will address your questions during a consultation session. So call us or fill the short online form now to book an appointment with our doctors.