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- Physical Examination
- • A complete physical examination should include the groin area, the testicles, the skin and the nervous system.
- A rectal examination may also be performed to rule out a tumor in that area.
- • Enlarged liver and/or spleen or a mass in the abdomen may indicate a tumor.
- • Lumps in the neck that are firm, non-movable and have not responded to antibiotics may be due to
- lymphomas, leukemias and other cancers.
- • The eyes may be examined, a procedure that requires the child's cooperation. A special instrument for looking
- into the eyes (ophthalmoscope) lets the physician see if there is increased pressure in the brain, which is often
- due to a brain tumor.
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- Blood and Other Tests
- • A simple blood test examining the red cells , white cells and platelets will usually let the doctor decide whether
- acute leukemia is a serious possibility.
- • Other tests such as a special type of urine test will be helpful in cases of suspected neuroblastoma.
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- Imaging
- • X-rays and CT and MRI scans help the physician decide whether there are tumors in the brain, chest,
- abdomen or extremities.
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