Tissue samples

The only absolutely certain way to diagnose a cancer is to take a cell sample (a process called a biopsy) and look at it under a microscope. This is usually done by placing a needle into the affected area and sucking out some cells.

Doctors hope that one day, by taking a cancer biopsy and analysing the different genes that are active in the cancer cells, they may be able to work out very quickly how best to treat you. Cancer Research UK is actively funding many research programmes that aim to do exactly this.

Back to previous page