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Evaluation: Before, During and After Treatment

Before, during and after treatment, you may undergo various tests. The tests you receive will depend on your disease, the treatment plan and/or your past history. Some tests may be repeated during the treatment process. This is to monitor for changes that may occur. Some of the tests are:

Audiology Tests
To assess your hearing.

Blood Tests
To check your blood counts -- i.e. CBC, liver and kidney functions.

CAT or CT Scan
(Computed Axial Tomography)
An imaging study in which multiple X-rays are taken of a part of the body to produce cross-sectional pictures of internal organs. Except for injection of a dye (needed in some, but not all cases), this is a painless procedure.

ECHO/EKG/MUGA
Each is a different test that determines how your heart is functioning and one or all may be necessary prior to surgery or chemotherapy.

Tumor Marker Blood Tests
A tumor marker is an indicator for the presence of cancer. The marker is either a substance made by a cancer cell or in response to the presence of cancer. It can be measured in the blood and may go down in response to treatment. CA125 is an example. Not all tumors make these substances.

Urinalysis and urine cultures
To check for the presence of a urinary tract infection and to assess your urine. A creatinine clearance may also be done to assess kidney function prior to beginning treatment.

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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center