Undiagnosed Cancer

What do you do if you think you have cancer? Your doctor has found something suspicious on an X-ray, CT scan or other imaging test. Still, your condition remains undiagnosed. Dealing with the uncertainty may be stressful and unsettling. Do you have cancer? What do you do next? Finding an expert to diagnose your condition quickly and accurately is important to your peace of mind and, perhaps, your future treatment options. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), we know how important it is to deliver an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible.

Our oncologists and other clinicians will begin working with you even before your first visit. They will gather your medical records and work to get you in for an appointment quickly. Then, on your initial visit, you will meet with a team that will determine a recommended diagnostic plan and deliver it with speed, efficiency and convenience in mind. A biopsy may be required to confirm a cancer diagnosis. Tests like imaging scans or blood tests may also be recommended. Our team of pathologists will review your case quickly to get you an answer in a timely manner—sometimes, in just a few days.

The oncologists and other clinicians at our five hospitals treat every stage of cancer and have developed an expertise that comes with working exclusively with cancer patients. If the tests reveal that your mass is benign, our surgical team may be able to offer various options to remove it. If you are diagnosed with cancer, a medical oncologist will meet with other members of your care team, including perhaps a surgical oncologist and/or radiation oncologist, depending on your cancer type and stage, to recommend a treatment plan tailored to you and your needs. As part of our integrative care model, you may also meet with a dietitian, naturopathic provider, mind-body therapist or other supportive care provider to help you manage cancer-related side effects and maintain your strength during treatment.