Cancer Diagnosis

An accurate cancer diagnosis is the first step toward timely, effective treatment. St. Peter's Health Partners has the experts and technology to make the right diagnosis, right away.

Cancer Testing Services at St. Peter's Health Partners: Why Choose Us?

Choosing a cancer program for your diagnosis and treatment is one of the most important decisions you'll make. People throughout the Capital Region turn to us for total cancer care because we offer:

• Easy access: St. Peter's Health Partners features an extensive network of imaging facilities, labs and specialists throughout Albany, Troy and the surrounding areas. It's easy to get the cancer testing services you need.
• Second opinions: If you've received a diagnosis from a primary care physician or oncologist at another program, we can take a second look. With our extensive experience in treating many types of cancer, we can give you expert advice on your care plan.
• Collaborative team: Cancer specialists, radiologists, pathologists and other providers work together to ensure you get test results as quickly as possible. A timely diagnosis helps us make a cancer treatment plan sooner.
• Screening services: The right screenings at the right time can spot cancer before symptoms develop when it's easier to treat. We offer a full range of cancer screenings, including free screenings for eligible people.

How Is Cancer Diagnosed?

We excel in the latest diagnostic techniques to detect and stage cancer. Staging cancer means categorizing the size of the tumor and determining if cancer has spread (metastasized).

Imaging

Our outpatient imaging centers are staffed by board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists. They offer X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, DEXA bone density scans, bone scans and ultrasound imaging exams. Specialized 3D mammography, breast MRIs and breast ultrasounds are available at select locations.

Endoscopy

We offer advanced endoscopy services for detecting, and sometimes treating, precancer and cancer. Using a thin tube with a light and camera (endoscope), we examine the digestive tract, stomach, uterus and other areas of the body in detail. Board-certified interventional endoscopists use the innovative SpyGlass™ DS Direct Visualization System to diagnose hepatobiliary cancers.

Blood tests

We may use blood tests to determine your risk for certain cancers. If you have a strong family history of cancer or are at an increased risk due to lifestyle factors or other health conditions, we may do blood tests to check for cancer tumor markers.

Tumor markers are substances found in the blood that can indicate cancer. CA-125 and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are two of the most common tumor marker blood tests.

Biopsy

If a screening or diagnostic test indicates that you have cancer, we may do a biopsy. During this procedure, we take a small sample of tissue from the body. Pathologists examine the tissue to learn more about the type and stage of cancer. We specialize in performing minimally invasive biopsies, such as fine needle aspiration, that only require light sedation.

Genetic Testing and Counseling

We may recommend a genetic risk assessment for people with a family history of inheritable cancers such as breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate cancer. We evaluate blood and tissue samples to check for gene mutations. You can also talk with a genetic counselor about issues like family planning and cancer prevention.