After conducting a thorough physical exam, our caregivers assess the tumor using various imaging tools such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT).

The images or pictures obtained can pinpoint exactly where the tumor resides and how it is positioned in the body.

Following the local assessment of the tumor, physicians may take a sample (called a biopsy) of the tumor using a needle or a small incision.

For tumors that are difficult to palpate, this may involve a CT-guided needle biopsy. A biopsy can reveal if the cells are cancerous or benign, and the pathologist can tell via examination under a microscope what type of tumor cell is present.

The biopsy will be followed by an assessment of the tumor’s potential spread using CT of the chest and possibly a bone scan.

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• De Castro, Carlos M. III
  
  • Medicine / Medical Oncology
• Diehl, Louis F.
  
  • Medicine / Medical Oncology
• Gockerman, Jon P.
  
  • Medicine / Medical Oncology
• Moore, Joseph O.
  
  • Medicine / Medical Oncology
• Yang, Yiping
  
  • Medicine / Medical Oncology

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Raleigh Cancer Center
  3404 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
• Morris Cancer Clinic
  Morris Building, 200 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710