Tumor markers are substances, to be more specific soluble glycoprotein found in blood or urine to aid us in the diagnosis of cancer. They are typically produced by the tumor cells. Tumor markers are assuming a growing role not just in the screening and diagnosis of cancers but they can be helpful in follow up after treatment, to assess the success of treatment. However as a lay person it is important to have some understanding about tumor markers.
- Not all cancers can be detected by tumor markers. Many of the tumor markers are specific to a certain cancer. For example PSA is specific to prostate cancer. The common tumor markers are CA125 for ovarian cancer, CA 153 for breast cancer, PSA for prostate cancer, CEA for colon cancer and AFP for liver cancers. These tumor markers are readily available in most if not all health screening packages or laboratories.
- A raised tumor marker is not enough to make a diagnosis of cancer. The problem with tumor markers is they may not be very specific. Sometimes 2 blood samples, 2 laboratories can give different results. Tumor markers can also be raised in certain noncancerous conditions. A positive or elevated tumor marker with no evidence of cancer is called a false positive test.
- There are times when you do have cancer and the tumor marker is not raised. 20-30% of patients with colon cancer do not have a raised CEA because ⅓ of cancer does not produce the carcinoembryonic antigen. Patients in early stages of cancer may not have raised tumor markers.
- Tumor markers are important in planning your treatment once the diagnosis of cancer has been made. It can help in the prediction of outcome of cancer and even in some cases help the doctor in decision on selecting an appropriate treatment for the patient. Tumor markers can help check on the progress of treatment and success of therapy
Cancer is the fastest evolving field in medicine and today there are over hundreds of tumor markers, some more readily available compared with others. Do consult your doctor if in doubt. Message us at 01123002843 for any inquiries.
PATIENT’S GUIDE TO TUMOR MARKERS
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