Question

Cancer detection in case of leukemias is carried out with techniques like biopsy, histopathological tests, blood tests and bone marrow tests. How cancer or tumors can be detected in the internal organs ?

Answer 1

Cancer is a disease in which the affected body cells grow uncontrollably and destroy the surrounding tissues. The detection and diagnosis of cancer has to be done as early as possible before it spreads to other parts of the body.

Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Techniques like biopsy and histopathological tests (extracting the tissue and studying the changes in cells), blood tests and bone marrow tests (checking for increased cell counts) are used in the case of leukemias. Blood or any body fluids samples can be tested in any laboratories. So option d is wrong.

The techniques like radiography, CT scan and MRI are very useful to detect cancers of the internal organs. So the correct option is a.

The following methods are used to detect cancer of the internal organs:

1. Magnetic resonance imaging : An MRI is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make detailed, computer-generated pictures of the body. It does not use X-rays or other forms of radiation, instead uses strong magnetic fields and non-ionising radiations to accurately detect pathological and physiological changes in the living tissues.

It is a test that can be used to find a tumor in the body and to find out whether the tumor is cancerous. It also helps to know the size and location of the tumor. It helps in planning cancer treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy. It also helps to understand the efficiency or progress of the treatment.

2. Radiography technique : This technique involves using radiation to provide images of the tissues, organs, and bones of the body.

Figure : Radiography of brain

3. Computed tomography : A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, takes pictures of the organs using X-rays taken from many angles. A computer later combines these pictures (3-dimensional images) showing abnormal areas or any tumors.

Figure : CT scan of brain

In treatment of cancer cells various methods are used. It includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Hence option b and c are wrong.

• Radiation therapy – The affected body part is exposed to radiation like X-rays, protons or other types of energy to kill the cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy – Chemotherapeutic drugs are used to kill cancer cells, stop the spread and slow their growth. The drugs are administered by mouth, in shots or intravenously.