What tests will I get to monitor my health during treatment?

 

Q: What tests will I get to monitor my health during treatment? 

A: Depending upon your type of cancer and the therapies being used, several diagnostic tests will monitor how well your body is responding to treatment. You may have pathology tests conducted on tissue and fluids, blood tests, x-rays, bone scans, DEXA scans (for bone mineral density), and mammograms and ultrasounds. PET scans, performed to detect chemical and physiologic changes, are highly useful in monitoring response to therapy for many cancers. CT scans and MRIs also provide information.
--Bernice Crook, RN, OCN

Learn more about the wide range of diagnostic tests.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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