Diagnosis, investigations and tests

Blood Tests

Tumour markers are specialist blood tests that are suggestive of different types of cancers. Read more about blood tests and book your next appointment.

 

X-Ray

X-rays are used to take pictures inside of your body.

 

CT Scan

A computerised tomography (CT) scan takes a series of x-rays, which build a detailed three-dimensional picture of the inside of your body. Learn more about CT scans.

 

MRI Scan

This test uses magnetism to take a detailed picture of areas of your body. It is particularly good at looking at the spine, brain and joints. Discover more about MRI scans.

PET Scan

Positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET-CT) uses low-dose radiation to measure the activity of cells in different parts of the body. A mildly radioactive substance is injected into a vein before completing the scan. Learn more about PET scans.

     

Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a test that looks inside the body. An endoscope is a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end. The endoscope can also take very small biopsies for analysis. Most common is a gastro-intestinal endoscopy which looks into your oesophagus, stomach, and upper part of the bowel. Discover more about our Endoscopy Unit.

 

Colonoscopy

This is an endoscope that is passed through the anus (back passage) and carefully moved around the large bowel to look for any abnormality. 

 

Biopsy

This means getting a sample of cells or tissue from the area of abnormality. How we conduct the biopsy depends on the target. Most types of biopsy are completed in the x-ray department. The sample is then sent to a pathologist, who examines it under a microscope. They will look for cancer cells.