If cancer is found, you will have further tests, to find out what type of cancer you have, how large the cancer is, and whether it has spread. This is sometimes called staging the cancer. The results of these tests will guide your treatment.

To begin with, your GP will ask you questions about your symptoms, talk to you about your medical history, and may give you a physical examination. She or he may look for signs of jaundice, or feel your abdomen (belly) for swelling or tenderness.

Your GP may take a sample of your blood for testing. This may also be done at the hospital. The test can show how well your liver is working. It can also find out if you have high levels of proteins that are produced by cancer cells.

Your GP may decide to send you to see a specialist at a hospital for further tests and investigation. If your GP suspects you may have cancer, the NHS cancer referral guidelines help your GP to decide who may need to see a specialist, and how quickly.

At hospital, you are likely to have a blood and/or urine test as well as one or more of these tests: