Imaging Studies
The following imaging studies may be used in determining the stage of cancer. These studies assess for metastasis or cells that break away form the original tumor and form another tumor in a different location.
Chest X-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help illustrate the organs and tissues more clearly.
Lymphangiography: A procedure used to x-ray the lymphatic system. A dye is injected into the lymphatic vessels in the feet. The dye travels upward through the lymph nodes and vessels, and x-rays are taken to see if there are any blockages. This test helps find out whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
Abdominal Lymph Node Dissection: A procedure to examine lymph nodes in the abdomen. Lymph nodes are removed and are examined by the laboratory for cancer cells. Removing lymph nodes can help stop the spread of the disease.
Staging
Staging is the process of finding out how far the cancer has spread. This is very important because the type of treatment and the outlook for your recovery depend on the stage of the cancer. Staging testicular cancer can be a complex process. Click here to view the National Cancer Institute Staging Guidelines.
