Overview

Healthcare providers will do a physical examination and ask questions about symptoms. They might also do the following tests:

Imaging tests

Imaging tests let providers take a closer look at your child’s bones and soft tissues and determine if there are tumors in other areas of their body. Imaging tests may include:

  • X-rays.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
  • Bone scan.

Biopsies

Providers do biopsies to obtain tissue samples that medical pathologists examine under a microscope. Procedures may include:

  • Needle biopsy: Providers use a thin hollow needle to obtain cells, fluid and tissue from suspicious lumps.
  • Bone marrow aspiration: Providers look for signs of cancerous cells in liquid from the spongy material inside bone marrow.

Blood tests

Providers may do blood tests to determine if cancer has spread. Tests may include:

  • Complete blood count (CBC) with differential: Low blood cell and platelet counts may be a sign of cancer.
  • Comprehensive metabolic panel: This test measures the levels of enzymes and other substances in your blood.
  • Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): High LDH levels may be a sign cancer has damaged tissue.
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