What are tumor markers?
Tumor markers are proteins and other substances that are produced by cancer cells in the body as well as normal cells. Because of this reason sometimes a false positive may occur when screening for cancer with a tumor marker, however tumor markers are produced at much higher levels by cancer cells and with other diagnostic testing can be used to diagnose cancer in its early stages. Tumor markers can be found throughout the body, it may be detected in blood, urine or tissue. The body can produce numerous markers at a time. There are at least 20 different tumor markers that are currently in clinical use. Our Beverly Hills office performs tumor marker testing and cancer markers including cea test, psa test, ca 125 blood test, AFP, CA 19-9, breast cancer markers and more. A blood test for cancer with addition of other tests can detect early cancer and can be scheduled in our office.
How are Tumor Markers used?
There are many ways to detect and diagnose cancer, and one way is through tumor markers. In order to make an accurate diagnostic, biopsies and other tests are used along with it. Tumor markers can help with the staging and prognosis. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, often times the doctor measures the tumor marker periodically. If the marker gets shorter than it was initially at the start of the diagnosis of cancer, then this may indicate that treatment and therapy are working. Tumor markers help the doctor determine which treatment is working best with the patient.
