Tumor markers are in short, not reliable indicators for cancer. They are proteins produced by cancer cells and normal cells. Therefore they are always measurable in someone's blood tests and will never have a zero value. They are, however, included in most health screening packages, and therefore helpful when interpreted in conjunction with other parameters, as well as the patient's signs and symptoms. This will help guide subsequent investigations towards a particular organ system should the related tumor marker appear elevated. It is not uncommon for someone to have abnormal tumor markers and yet no cancerous cause is found despite multiple investigations. In such cases, they should be monitored initially for any rising trends.
Question
Which tumor markers are considered to be reliable indicators for cancer?
Doctor's Answers 1
Similar Questions
What could be the cause of recurrent nose bleeds?
Simply put. There are benign causes and worrisome ones. If the frequency is unusual and lasting longer than a minute or two, I would advise you to get it checked. At the A&E, our practice would be to first examine where the bleeding occurs, if it’s at the front and easily seen it’s usually due to mucosal injury be it nose digging or blowing your nose very hard. Some medicines like acne medications can cause dry mucosa, as can cold weather and climates.
Do I need a colonoscopy for tailbone and anal pain to rule out cancer?
Hi, The description of your symptoms appear to be proctalgia ani. While it literally translate to "pain in your anus", the persistence of your symptoms warrants a physical examination by a doctor. The causes can range anywhere from an anal fissure (tear in your anus), to deep anal infections, to referred pain from somewhere else e. g. coccydynia / pelvic floor strain (from your weight lifting), and stress.