Cancer Markers
A cancer marker or tumor marker is a substance found in the blood, urine and body tissues. It can be called anything that is produced by cancer cells or other cells of the body in response to cancer or certain benign conditions, which offers required information about cancer. This not just helps identify the stages of cancer, but also the type of treatment it may respond to. The cancer markers have been proteins that are made in higher amounts by cancer cells.
What is tumor markers used for?
The purpose of tumor markers or cancer markers is to track the response of treatment on the patient. This helps if the treatment is reducing the cancer cells or not. It is noteworthy that there are many other health issues other than cancer that can cause markers to be higher. This is why it is suggested to consider tumor marker levels along with the results of radiology scans such as MRI, CT scan, etc., your symptoms, and your healthcare provider’s exam.What are they used for?
The cancer markers or tumor marker test can be useful to:- Plan your treatment according to the specific situation of a tumor.
- Find out if cancer has spread to other tissues.
- Screen people at high risk for cancer.
- Help predict the likely outcome or course of your disease.