Blood tests
A small sample of your blood is taken to see how many red and white cells and platelets you have (a blood count), or to check how other systems in your body (like your liver) are doing.
Biopsy
A tiny piece of the cancer tumour is taken out and examined under a microscope. This is done either with a needle (a needle biopsy) or during a small operation while you are under anaesthetic (an open biopsy).
Bone marrow aspirate
Bone marrow is a spongy tissue found in the centre of some of your bones and it is the "factory" where your blood cells are made. Under an anaesthetic, a special needle is used to remove a sample of the marrow for testing.
X Ray
You may have had one of these before. An x ray can help doctors examine your puku area, chest and bones.
CT scan
Doctors use this scan to look at the soft tissues in your body. You'll need to lie very still for this one but it doesn't hurt or take too long.
Ultrasound
This scan turns sound waves into pictures of your heart and puku area.
MRI
This scan is like the CT but very noisy. It doesn't hurt and can take a bit longer than the CT scan so the nurses may give you a sedative which will make you sleepy and help you keep still during the scan.