Physical examination
The first investigation done on a patient with a suspected cancer is a physical examination. The physician is looking for evidence of weight loss, abnormal lumps or masses which should not be present, organomegaly, (enlargement of liver or spleen etc) and the presence of enlarged lymph glands which might suggest infiltration by tumour. A more expert detailed examination may be required, of breasts or prostate for instance, looking for cancer in a specific organ.