Other Tests

If the cancer appears to be more advanced, doctors may recommend additional diagnostic testing. These tests may include:

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• Chest X-ray: This is a picture of the chest that shows your heart, lungs, airway, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. A chest X-ray is performed to see if the endometrial cancer has spread to the lungs. It also shows the bones of your spine and chest, including your breastbone, ribs, collarbone, and the upper part of your spine. A chest X-ray is the most common test used to find problems inside the chest with the organs and structures. Usually two pictures are taken, one from the back of the chest and another from the side. However, doctors cannot always get the information they need from a chest X-ray to find the cause of a problem.
• Complete blood count: Blood tests will be conducted to ensure that individuals can safely undergo surgery. Many times, women who have lost blood from the uterus will have low red blood cell counts.

Though uncommon, other tests may include:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan: This is a diagnostic test that uses an X-ray machine and a computer to create detailed pictures of the body, including 3-D images. It is used to detect disease or abnormal organ structure. CT scans can also be used to guide a biopsy needle into a mass.As part of a CT scan, you may be asked to drink contrast liquid or have an IV (intravenous) line for injection of a contrast dye. Contrast dye makes your organs more visible on the X-ray film.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields and radio (sound) waves to create computerized images of the brain, spine, bones, and soft tissue such as organs, muscle, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. You may have to be placed in a tube, which can feel confining and upset people with a fear of enclosed spaces. A contrast dye might be used. The MRI is very noisy while it is operating, so patients are usually given ear plugs.
• Cystoscopy and proctoscopy: If a woman has signs that suggest the cancer may have spread, a cystoscopy or proctoscopy may be done using a lighted tube to view the inside of the bladder (cystoscopy) or the anus, rectum, and lower colon (proctoscopy).
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): This is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to look at the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. An IVP helps the doctor see if a tumor is blocking part of the urinary system.
• CA 125 blood test: This test measures the amount of a protein (CA 125) found on the surface of many endometrial and ovarian cancers. High levels of this protein may suggest that the cancer has probably spread beyond the uterus.