Procedures
If you have cancer, procedures become part of your life. Some procedures are done so often that they start to feel routine. You will always be told what to expect. A parent can be with you during every test.
Overview of procedures
During a medical history, your doctor or nurse specialist will ask you various questions to understand how you are doing. If anything stands out, they will ask follow-up questions. After the medical history, the doctor or nurse specialist will examine you.
A bone marrow aspiration is sometimes needed to make a diagnosis. Bone marrow is found inside your bones. This is where blood is made: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. During treatment, a doctor may also perform a bone marrow aspiration from time to time to check how the treatment is working. A bone marrow aspiration is done under sedation. This means you are asleep and do not feel anything.
Sometimes a biopsy is needed to make an exact diagnosis. The doctor takes a small piece of tissue (a biopsy) under sedation or anesthesia. This tissue is examined in the laboratory.
We take blood to make a diagnosis or to check your blood levels. In the laboratory, we look at how many red and white blood cells and platelets you have, and how your liver and kidneys are working. We also do regular blood tests during and after treatment. Blood can be taken from your finger or your arm. If you have a line or VIT, we take blood from there.
A CT scan (computed tomography) is used to create images of organs and parts of the body. A CT scan uses X-rays. You lie on a movable table that slowly slides through the round opening of the CT scanner. Each time the table moves slightly, a series of images is taken. It is important that you stay still.
An ultrasound is used to create images of organs and parts of the body. It uses sound waves that bounce back. You lie on an examination table, usually on your back and sometimes on your side. The technician applies gel to the area being examined and moves a probe over it. Black-and-white moving images appear on a screen.
A hearing test measures how well you can hear. The test consists of a preliminary examination and a hearing test.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) checks how your heart is working and its rhythm. You lie on an examination table. The technician places electrodes on your chest, upper arms or shoulders, and legs or hips. Wires connect the electrodes to a monitor that records your heart activity.
An EEG (electroencephalogram) measures brain activity. The technician marks small crosses on your head and places electrodes there. A net keeps the electrodes in place. Wires connect the electrodes to a computer that records brain activity. During the test, you will be asked to do a few tasks.
A chest X-ray is used to create images of the lungs. It uses X-rays. You sit or stand in front of the X-ray machine. You place your chest against a plate and wrap your arms around it. While you stay very still, the images are taken.
A pulmonary function test checks how your lungs are working, how large they are, and how much air you can breathe out. You wear a clip on your nose and hold a mouthpiece in your mouth. The mouthpiece is connected to a device. The technician will explain each step to you.
A lumbar puncture is sometimes needed to make a diagnosis. A small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is taken from your lower back. The doctor examines this fluid in the laboratory. During treatment, lumbar punctures are also done from time to time to check how the treatment is working. A lumbar puncture may also be needed to give chemotherapy. The procedure is done under sedation, so you do not feel anything.
MIBG is a substance that is easily taken up by most neuroblastomas. By attaching MIBG to radioactive iodine, neuroblastoma cells can be made visible. The test takes place over two days. On the first day, you receive a small amount of radioactive fluid through your line, VIT, or an IV. On the second day, the scan is performed. You lie on a movable table that slowly slides through the round opening of the scanner. Each time the table moves slightly, a series of images is taken. It is important that you stay still.
An MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) provides detailed images of organs and parts of the body. It uses magnetic fields. This means you cannot wear clothing, jewelry, or makeup that contains metal. You lie on a table that slowly slides into the MRI scanner. You must stay still. The machine makes a loud tapping noise. If you want, you can practice beforehand with a child life specialist in the practice MRI.
A kidney function test shows how the kidneys are working and what they look like. During the test, you receive a small amount of radioactive fluid through your line, VIT, or an IV. You lie on a narrow table and must stay still. The technician takes images using a camera that moves around you.
An eye test checks whether your eyes are healthy and how well you can see. The technician uses a light to see if your eyes are aligned and asks you to name numbers and letters. Sometimes you are given eye drops to make your pupils larger. This allows the technician to examine both the outside and inside of your eyes.
A PET scan (positron emission tomography) is used to detect abnormalities in organs and tissues. A PET scan is always combined with a CT scan. You receive a small amount of radioactive fluid through your line, VIT, or an IV. You lie on a movable table that slowly slides through the round opening of the PET-CT scanner. Each time the table moves slightly, a series of images is taken. You must stay still.
An X-ray is used to create images of organs and parts of the body. It uses X-rays. You lie or sit on an examination table. The technician helps you get into the correct position and places the X-ray machine exactly where needed. You must not move while the images are taken.
More information
Can't find your test or want more information? Check out the pages Procedures, Brochures, or ask your doctor or nurse for more details.