Occasionally other medical conditions give rise to similar results, making it difficult to decide what is and is not cancer. Doctors are trained to piece together information from different tests and examinations along with symptoms and medical history, and put all this information in context. For this reason, it is often best for the doctor to discuss test results with you personally. Your doctor will also advise you about which tests are necessary and how often you should have them. Usually only those tests which give the most helpful information about your condition are used.
Unnecessary tests can waste time and delay treatment.
However, if you are worried about whether you are having the right tests, talk this over with your doctor. You will usually be asked not to eat or to drink for at least six hours before the test. Once you are lying comfortably on your back, a gel is spread onto your abdomen. A small device, like a microphone, which produces sound waves, is passed over the area. The sound waves are then converted into a picture by a computer.