Question

List various means of detection of cancer.

Answer 1

(i) Self-examination and awareness of danger signals: A lump in the breast, change in a wart or mole, persistent change in digestive or bowel habits, persistent cough or hoarseness, unusual blood loss, a sore that does not heal, unexplained loss of weight.

(ii) Biopsy: A sample of the primary tumour is removed surgically and examined microscopically for structural changes typical of malignant cells.

(iii) Blood tests: To detect abnormal WBCs. 

(iv) Imaging techniques: PET scan, CT (computed tomography) scan and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan detect cancer of internal organs.

(v) Monoclonal antibodies against cancer-specific antigens coupled with radioisotopes are used for detection.