Cancer markers:
These are substances produced by cancer cells or normal cells in response to the presence of cancer in the body. The levels of these substances can be measured in the blood, urine, or tissues to help diagnose, monitor, or treat cancer. However, not all types of cancer have specific cancer markers, and not all markers are specific to a particular type of cancer. Therefore, cancer markers cannot be relied upon alone to diagnose cancer, but must be used in conjunction with other tests such as imaging or lameness. Some of the most common cancer markers include:
This is a protein that is usually produced by cells of the placenta in the fetal period, but may also be produced by some types of cancer, such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. An elevated level of CEA in the blood may indicate the presence of cancer or relapse after treatment, but it may be due to other non-cancerous factors such as smoking or chronic inflammation.
This is a protein that is produced by cells of the prostate gland and helps to liquefy seminal fluid. An elevated level of PSA in the blood may indicate cancer in the prostate or other disorders in the prostate gland such as inflammation or enlargement.
This is a protein that is produced by cells of the breast gland and may be elevated in cases of advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The CA 15-3 test is not used as a screening test for breast cancer, but rather as a tool for monitoring the response to treatment or the appearance of relapse.
This is a protein that is produced by cells of some organs of the digestive system and may be elevated in cases of pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, or gallbladder cancer. The CA 19-9 test is not used as a screening test for these tumors, but rather as a tool for monitoring the response to treatment or the appearance of relapse.
This is a protein that is produced by cells of the ovary and may be elevated in cases of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, or lung cancer. The CA 125 test may be used as one of the screening tests for ovarian cancer in women at high risk, and as a tool for monitoring the response to treatment or the appearance of relapse.
