Tumour markers play a vital role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of cancer. These substances, often proteins, are produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. By detecting their presence or levels in blood, urine, or tissue samples, medical professionals gain valuable insights into various cancers’ presence, progression, and treatment response. Here, we delve into the significance of tumour markers and highlight some examples widely used in clinical practice.
Importance of Tumour Markers
Tumour markers serve as essential tools in cancer management for several reasons:
Examples of Tumour Markers:
Associated Cancer: Prostate cancer
Clinical Use: PSA levels are measured for prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment response. Elevated PSA levels may also indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate inflammation.
Associated Cancer: Ovarian cancer
Clinical Use: CA-125 is primarily used to monitor ovarian cancer patients during and after treatment. Elevated levels may also occur in other conditions, such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Associated Cancers: Colorectal cancer, among others.
Clinical Use: CEA levels help in monitoring colorectal cancer treatment response and detecting disease recurrence. Elevated CEA levels may also be observed in other cancers, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Associated Cancer: Hepatocellular carcinoma (Liver cancer).
Clinical Use: AFP levels are primarily used for diagnosing and monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevated AFP levels may also be seen in other liver diseases and certain germ cell tumours.
CA 19-9:
Associated Cancer: Pancreatic cancer
Clinical Use: CA 19-9 is used for diagnosing and monitoring pancreatic cancer. Elevated levels may also occur in other gastrointestinal cancers and benign conditions, such as pancreatitis.
While tumour markers provide valuable information, it’s crucial to interpret results in the context of clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Elevated levels of tumour markers can sometimes be seen in non-cancerous conditions and normal levels do not necessarily rule out the presence of cancer.
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