Diagnosis and Staging

Diagnosis. Diagnosis usually involves a complete medical history, physical examination and, depending on the specific symptoms present, patients may undergo a chest x-ray and/or other diagnostic tests such as a barium swallow or an esophagoscopy. Samples collected during testing are then sent to the laboratory for further testing.

Staging. Once cancer is diagnosed, it is essential to properly stage the disease so that the most effective treatment plan can be established. Although tests such as bronchoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound are often administered, The Lacks Cancer Center provides a revolutionary PET scan procedure for the most accurate staging of this disease.

To schedule a PET scan, or to consult with one of the oncologists from our Multidisciplinary GI Clinic, simply ask your primary care physician for a referral or make a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-752-LACK(S).