A group of tests for early detection of Cancer
Cancer markers are not diagnostic in themselves. A definitive diagnosis of cancer can be made by looking at biopsy specimens (e.g., of tissue) under a microscope or Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and smear examination of discharge (Pap smear). However, cancer markers provide information that can be used in monitoring treatment, helping in diagnosis, staging & determining prognosis & recurrences. Following cancer markers are available with us:
Following symptoms should be investigated thoroughly as they may possibly reflect malignant change in the body:
- Change in Bladder or Bowel Habits
- A Sore that does not heal
- Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
- Thickening of Lump in Breast or anywhere
- Indigestion or Difficulty in Swallowing
- Obvious change in Wart or Mole
- Nagging Cough or Hoarseness
Recurrent pain, recurrent unexplained fever, steady weight loss and appearance of bleeding from orifices are other typical presentations that must be examined and explained.
Importance of Cancer Markers :
Cancer markers are not diagnostic in themselves. A definitive diagnosis of most of cancers can be made by looking at Biopsy specimens (e.g., of tissue) under a microscope or Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and smear examination of discharge (Pap smear). However, cancer markers provide information that can be used in monitoring treatment, helping in diagnosis, staging & determining prognosis & recurrences. Following cancer markers are available with us:
| Cancer Marker | Cancer | Sex | Importance / Use | |
| AFP | Liver, germ cell cancer of ovaries or testes | Both | Diagnostic | Monitoring/ Recurrence |
| PSA-Total & Free | Prostate | Male | Diagnostic | Monitoring/ Recurrence |
| CA-125 | Ovarian | Female | Diagnostic | Monitoring/ Recurrence |
| CA-19.9 | Pancreatic, colorectal & bile ducts | Both | Staging/ Monitoring/ Recurrence | |
| CEA | Colorectal breast, thyroid, liver, pancreatic, cervix & bladder | Both | Monitoring/ Recurrence | |
| CA-15.3 | Breast Cancer, lung & ovarian | Female | Staging/ Monitoring/ Recurrence | |