Cancer can be detected in the following ways:

• Examination of a blood smear under the microscope (blood count)
• Determination of blood proteins and immunoglobulins (antibodies)
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Identification of viral infections (virus serology)
• Microscopic examination of lymph node tissue
• Examination of specimens of bone marrow or internal organs (biopsy)
• Examination of cerebrospinal fluid (lumbar puncture)
• Direct visualisation of the interior of abdominal organs (endoscopy)
• Cytogenetic examination of chromosomes (a method of detecting chromosome abnormalities using a fluorescence microscope)
• Ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging

Modern immunodiagnostic techniques use specific antibody reactions to precisely classify cancer cells. By making it possible to predict the likelihood of success with a particular drug, such tests can improve the chances of cure.