Questions to Ask the Oncologist About a Cancer Diagnosis

Hello; I know that histological observation under a microscope is the most common method to determine if a sample of tissue/cell is indeed cancer and not a benign tumor (that is, giving the closest to a definitive diagnosis of cancer- as oppose to prognosis). Yet, I was wondering if there are also molecular methods that can tell the difference between benign or cancer (malignant). Maybe this depends on the cancer, or on a case-by-case basis... But I would like to know if there are other, more "molecular" approaches (or combination of these molecular approaches, to tell (diagnose) if a tumor is indeed malignant. Please, consider test done on cancer cell cultures also, as long as the approach is different than the traditional histology (morphology). (When I ask this questions, I think of , PCR, immunohistochemistry, Flow cytometry, DNA methylation patterns, cell cycle analysis with DNA staining, PET scan, etc. these are just examples)

Terry Wood

3 months ago

Sir- Iam interested to fill an appal;ition to work in your grat instition- I believe tha my sklls and backgro. I have a back ground in 4year instition in Education and graduated in Registered Nurse-Please let me know if I should asend my reasume to be considered. Thankx-for taking the time to read and consider. Terry Wood

luap

5 months ago

Should one ask: "If we use this treatment, what are the survival rates for this treatment, with -- "my" - age,my health history and my current condition?

littlelu

7 months ago

was diagnosed with nonhodgkins lymphoma a year ago.. fortunate that it was isolated to my small intestine. had 4 strong chemo sessions, had a colonoscopy at this point & found that the tumor was gone!! my oncologist recommeded i finish my scheduled treatments (had 2 more "for insurance")! i am blessed that i had a "great" team of doctors, they acted quickly & with God's help i am a 9 month survivor at this point. when i found out i had cancer i came home & got on the computer to be better informed, scary but it helped me to "plan" ahead so as to spare my family as much as i could in case the treatments didn't work.

Emily M.

9 months ago

Hi Geobos, Thank you for your question. You may find this article about getting a second opinion helpful: ( http://www.caring.com/articles/cancer-diagnosis-second-opinion ). I hope that helps, take care -- Emily | Community Manager

Geobos

9 months ago

Can a Doctor be wrong about a CML diagnoses before he takes bone marrow And he said my blood was Mildly Abnormal For CML

Emily M.

11 months ago

Hi dobiedoo, Sorry to hear about all the pain you are experiencing. That sounds just awful! You may find some useful information about your condition on our Rheumatoid Arthritis page located here: (http://www.caring.com/rheumatoid-arthritis). Unfortunately, we are unable to diagnose medical problems for our site members. We suggest that you contact your doctor right away regarding your medical issue. I hope you feel better soon! -- Emily

dobiedoo

11 months ago

I am 58,Ive been diagnosed with osteoauthritu and Rhumatoid authritus.But there is something else wrong.Because the pain I endure is unbelievable.It is unbarrable.It became very very painful 3 years ago.Now Im just in a state of pain that is terrible.I think there is something else going on.Now everybone in my body is a 10 as pain goes.It brings tears .My bane scan showed my skelton is one big hot spot.But I think there is something going on in my marrow.Help me if you can.

Emily M.

about 1 year ago

Hi Pana, Thank you very much for your comment, it's inspiring to hear that you've survived breast cancer. Unfortunately, we are unable to give instruction on matters regarding medications or other personal health concerns to our members. We suggest that you contact your doctor regarding your direct medical questions. We hope our informational site will be of help for you in the future. Thanks again, Emily | Community Manager

Pana

about 1 year ago

Can i stop taking my Fermara now i have been taking them 3 years, im a Breast cancer survivor

Mukesh

over 1 year ago

Sirs, I had a small tumour of cancer in my tongue.I operated it and took the necessary radiations before 2 years and before 5 years I had pancreatiis now i have no problem in both the diseases. My question to you is Can I have one peg of pure red wine diluted with water with healthy food once in 10 days. My age is 40 years and i have no other physical problem or cronic disease. please reply

sherri dee

over 1 year ago

We are new at this my husband just found out he has stage 3b lung cancer

Penny

almost 4 years ago

I wish I had found this site earlier, although I don't know if it would have helped, my mother's Cancer Dr's never seem to know what the other is doing even though they are together. This has been the frustrating part of her illness, also not being honest with us.