Medical History
What was sometimes the only way to identify diseases centuries ago?
Taking the patient’s medical history
What test is used to determine if a tumor is malignant?
Biopsy
What test is used to detect infections in the blood?
Blood culture
What technique uses X-rays to produce images of the body?
Radiography
What test is used to examine a lump in the breast?
Mammogram
Why is making a correct diagnosis important?
Because it can help the patient recover or even save their life
What technique involves inserting a tool into the body to examine an organ?
Endoscopy
What technique is used during pregnancy to see the unborn baby?
Ultrasound
What test records the electrical activity of the heart?
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What test detects cancerous or pre-cancerous changes in the female reproductive system?
Why was taking a patient’s medical history especially important in the past?
Because physicians had very primitive tools or none at all
What determines the choice of a diagnostic technique for a patient?
The patient’s symptoms
What does an electrocardiogram help detect besides heart attacks?
Arrhythmia
What is another term some professionals prefer instead of “X-rays
Radiographs
What happens if a mammogram indicates the presence of a tumor?
A biopsy is performed
What could happen if a physician makes an incorrect diagnosis?
It could lead to serious or even dramatic consequences
What factors influence the choice of method when cancer is suspected?
Symptoms, test results, and the location of the tumor
What types of organisms can a blood culture detect?
Bacteria or fungi
Why do some professionals argue against the term “X-rays”?
Because X-rays are photons of energy and cannot be seen
Who invented the Pap test?
Georgios Papanikolaou
Besides diagnosis, what is another key benefit of modern diagnostic techniques?
They help keep people healthy
In which case is an endoscopy specifically used according to the text?
When colon cancer is suspected
Why are diagnostic tests important before a patient agrees to treatment?
They confirm the diagnosis and ensure the treatment is appropriate
What type of scan is recommended if doctors suspect a brain tumor?
Tomography
What is the purpose of a Pap test?
To detect cancerous or pre-cancerous changes