The answers to these questions should be obtained by minimal number of tests and by least invasive methods. This a time that a cancer specialist has to be involved to plan for proper testing and studies. Quite often, valuable time is lost during this stage of the game, and that is due to obtaining incorrect tests or performing unnecessary procedures. Patients and relatives have to insist on getting an specialist involved in the care of the patient at very early stage of cancer diagnosis. I like to refer you to my Manuscript , that pinpoints some of these issues.
Patients have to be fully examined by a qualified physician.
Certain blood tests have to obtained. A chest X-ray is always a routine part of work up. Further tests will depend on the findings of the physician and his intuitions. Other X-rays, CT scans, Bone scan, MRI study,etc. are performed to decide on the extent of cancer, as well as deciding on the location where a biopsy is to be obtained. For appropriate work up of each individual cancer, please refer to proper page in this document.