Two medical providers look at imaging results

Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosing Cancer at UVM Cancer Center

Early detection and an accurate diagnosis are key to successful cancer treatment. When you come to University of Vermont Cancer Center, you have access to advanced tests and expert evaluations. Our team of medical oncologists gathers all necessary information to learn about your cancer, allowing them to create a personalized treatment plan targeted to your specific needs.

Why Choose UVM Health?

Expert care: At UVM Cancer Center, you receive services from highly skilled medical oncologists who specialize in diagnosing both common and rare cancers.
Advanced therapies: We use the latest technology to detect cancer early and plan effective treatment. If you receive a cancer diagnosis, you have access to advanced therapies, some of which are only available through clinical trials.
Broad access: Our network of providers gives you access to services in treatment centers throughout Vermont and northern New York. If you need more specialized care, we quickly coordinate in-network referrals to get you the care you need.
Academic research: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are also active researchers, many of whom are training the next generation of experts.

Cancer Diagnostic Services

There is no single test that can diagnose cancer. If your doctor suspects that you might have cancer, they will use a variety of diagnostic tools and tests to make a diagnosis. Your doctor will recommend specific diagnostics based on the type of cancer they are testing for. These may include some or all of the following tests.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests can help identify tumors, as well as their size and location. Common imaging tests include:

Computed tomography (CT) scan: X-rays and advanced computers create 3D pictures of parts of your body.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnets and a specialized computer work together to provide clear, detailed images of your organs. Specific MRI scans – such as breast MRI – are used to diagnose certain cancers.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: You receive a small and safe amount of radioactive substance (tracer) that collects in areas of high cell activity. The tracer allows us to see brain activity during a CT scan.
Ultrasound: Uses soundwaves to create pictures of the inside of your body.
X-ray: Low doses of radiation are used to create images of the inside of your body.

Biopsy

In most cases, you will need to have a biopsy to confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis. There are two types of biopsies:

With a needle: An interventional radiologist uses image guidance to insert a fine needle into the tumor and collect a tissue sample.
Endoscopy: Your doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube with a camera at one end (endoscope) into your mouth or nose (bronchoscopy) or the anus (colonoscopy) and collects a tissue sample.
Cystoscopy: Your doctor inserts a thin tube equipped with a camera (cystoscope) through your urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body) and into your bladder. This test allows us to examine the inside of the bladder and take tissue samples (biopsy).

A specialist in diagnosing cancer (pathologist) evaluates the tissue sample under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. To help understand your diagnosis and next steps for treatment, here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

What kind of cancer do I have?
Where did the cancer start in my body? Has it spread?
What is the stage of my cancer? What does the stage mean for me?
What is my prognosis?
Should I get a second opinion?
Will I need more tests? If so, which ones?
How soon should I start treatment?
What are my treatment options? Which treatment options do you recommend?
What are the side effects of this treatment?
What is the goal of this treatment? What are my chances of recovery?
What types of doctors will I need to see for this treatment?
How will we know if the treatment is working?
Is a clinical trial right for me?

Cancer Care

Clinical Trials

The UVM Cancer Center supports more than 100 active clinical trials focused on prevention, screening, treatment, supportive care and survivorship.

View open trials

Diagnostic Research

UVM Health is home to researchers investigating the causes of cancer and how to reduce the burden of cancer through screening and prevention.

Research activities span three programs of the UVM Cancer Center – Cancer Cell, Cancer Host and Environment and Cancer Population Sciences. More information can be found at UVM Larner College of Medicine.