Providers begin a diagnosis by doing a physical examination and asking about symptoms. Tests they may use include: Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans help providers locate tumors, including how close they are to major organs, and to evaluate tumor size. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scans help providers check on nearby nerves, blood vessels and muscles that may be affected by a …
Lipoma
Providers usually diagnose a lipoma during a physical examination. Your provider will touch the lipoma and ask if it’s painful or tender. You may need a biopsy to confirm that the lipoma isn’t cancer. During this procedure, your provider removes a sample of the lipoma and sends it to a lab for testing. Oftentimes, these may be mistaken for a cyst. To …
Lip Cancer
Often, dentists or dermatologists spot lip cancer during routine exams. If a healthcare provider suspects lip cancer, they’ll ask about your medical history and habits, like whether you smoke. They may recommend diagnostic tests, including: Physical exam. Your healthcare provider will examine your lip and ask about your symptoms. They’ll also look at your mouth, face and neck to check for signs that the …
Lichen Sclerosus
A healthcare provider will diagnose lichen sclerosus. They’ll ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical examination, which includes an evaluation of your affected areas. What tests will be done to diagnose lichen sclerosus? To confirm their lichen sclerosus diagnosis, your healthcare provider may perform a biopsy.
Oral Lichen Planus
Your healthcare provider diagnoses oral lichen planus by examining your mouth. In many cases, providers take a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other diseases.
Lichen Planus
Your healthcare provider can typically diagnose lichen planus after assessing your symptoms and conducting a physical exam. They may look for characteristics known as the “six Ps” that help diagnose lichen planus: Pruritic (They’re itchy). Polygonal (Your rash shape has many sharp angles). Planar (The top is flat). Purple papules (bumps). Plaques (raised, discolored, patches). If there’s any doubt, your …
Lice
During an exam, a health care provider may use a magnifying lens to look for lice. The provider may also use a special light, called a Wood’s light, to check for nits. This light makes the nits easier to spot by making them look pale blue. Head lice A health care provider may diagnose head lice after finding a live …
Leukoplakia
A healthcare provider will diagnose leukoplakia by examining your mouth and any unusual white patches. They’ll try to find what’s causing your symptoms. For example, if you use dentures, your provider may make sure your dentures aren’t rubbing against your gums or the inside of your cheeks. Your provider may do biopsies and send a sample of your tissue to medical pathologists to examine …
Leiomyosarcoma
If you have symptoms concerning for leiomyosarcoma, you healthcare provider will order some tests. These may include: Computed tomography (CT) scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PET scan. Angiography.
Legionnaires’ Disease
Urine (pee) and sputum (mucus or phlegm) tests are the most common ways to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease. Your healthcare provider will also get pictures of the inside of your chest with an X-ray or CT scan. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask you about your health and travel history. What tests will be done to diagnose …