What types of imaging tests and other tests may be done to find where the cancer first began?

What types of imaging tests and other tests may be done to find where the cancer first began?

Several types of scans and other tests or procedures may be used, including:

• Imaging: CT scan (computerized axial tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET scan (positron emission tomography). These scans all show detailed pictures of the inside of your body. They can show details of abnormal areas, show how far cancer has spread and try to find where the cancer may have started.
• Mammogram: This is an X-ray of breast tissue.
• Endoscopy: An endoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing and a tool to remove tissue samples. It is inserted through a cut (incision) or an opening in your body (mouth or rectum) to look at organs and tissues.
• Tumor marker test: Tumor markers are substances released by certain cancers into the bloodstream. Examples of tumor markers include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for cancers of the liver and CA-125 for cancer of the ovary or fallopian tube.