To diagnose your cancer as accurately as possible, physicians within the Providence Regional Cancer System rely on three main types of of diagnostic tests — imaging, pathology and surgical tests.

Diagnostic Imaging Tests
Diagnostic imaging is offered through the hospital-based services at Providence St. Peter Hospital and Providence Centralia Hospital, as well as through other radiology practices in the region. Testing equipment is continually updated to make sure you are getting the most advanced technologies, including:

Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI)
Computed tomography (CT) scanning
X-ray
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Ultrasound
Mammography, including digital mammography and mammography MRI

Pathology Diagnosis
As an essential member of your oncology team, a pathologist performs the critical initial diagnosis. Pathologists are physicians who specialize in examining tissues and cells under a microscope to diagnose diseases. They will discuss your pathology test results with you to help you understand your diagnosis.

Pathology services are provided by CellNetix Pathology & Laboratories, whose pathologists are based at Providence St. Peter Hospital. Cellnetix employs more than 40 board-certified pathologists who have subspecialist expertise in all areas of pathology, including breast, gastrointestinal, skin, nervous system, gynecological and hematology.

Surgery (for diagnostic purposes)
Surgery may be necessary to help diagnose the type, location and size of your cancer. Your doctor will refer you to a skilled and experienced surgeon, most likely in your own community.