Diagnostic aids

In clinical oncology, the decisional problems encountered are rarely problems of diagnosis, and this article may appear out of place in the present framework. Its aim, however, is twofold: i) to present the potential contribution of data processing techniques to the whole diagnostic process; ii) to define a few methodological aspects which, while useful in assisting diagnosis, can be transposed to other decisional aspects (determination of prognosis, aids to therapy, optimalization of investigation strategies) more frequently met in clinical oncology, as will be shown in the numerous articles presented here. This methodology is first and foremost an apprenticeship in reasoning, in self-interrogation, and in the formulation of problems.