Has the Tumor Spread Far Away (Metastasis)?
Many times a good discussion with the patient and thorough physical can tell the physician whether there has been spread of the tumor. Occasionally, when it is difficult to evaluation the patient's history or physical, or when the risk of spread is very high the doctor will order tests to determine whether the tumor has spread to other organs. The CT scan shows the liver, opposite lung and adrenal glands, three common organs for tumor spread. A head CT scan or MRI scan will show signs of tumor spread to the brain. A bone scan will show tumor spread to the skeleton.