Early detection of tumors is crucial for effective cancer management. Tumor marker tests are indicators used to diagnose cancer, determine its type, and monitor treatment effectiveness.
In this article, we will explore different types of them and their specific applications for each organ of the body.
Different types of Tumor markers
Table of contents
What Do Tumor Markers Mean?
Tumor markers, also known as biomarkers, are substances present in blood, urine, or body tissue.
Cell samples taken from a tumor during a biopsy contain additional tumor markers.
They encompass proteins produced by both healthy cells and cancer cells in the body, as well as mutations, changes, or patterns in the DNA of a tumor.
Tumor marker tests are utilized by doctors to determine the presence of cancer and gain further insight into the specific characteristics of the cancer.
These tests aid in treatment planning and provide valuable information about the disease.
What Are the Main Types of Tumor Markers?
Tumor markers can be broadly categorized into two main types: circulating tumor markers and tumor tissue markers.
Circulating Tumor Markers
Some cancer patients have circulating tumor markers in their blood, urine, stool, bone marrow, saliva, or other body fluids. They are utilized for:
- evaluate the prognosis
- Identify the cancer’s stage
- Identifying cancer that has reappeared or that is leftover after therapy.
- Determine how effectively a treatment is functioning.
- Check to see if the medication is no longer effective.
Tumor Tissue Markers
Tumor tissue or cell markers are detected in a sample of the tumor taken out during a biopsy. They are used for:
- Identify and categorize cancer.
- Evaluate the prognosis.
- Choose a suitable course of treatment (such as targeted therapy).
What Are Tumor Marker Tests?
Tumor marker tests can be specific to a particular type of cancer, while others may be associated with multiple types of cancer.
It’s important to note that elevated levels of biomarkers can sometimes be a sign of noncancerous conditions as well.
The evaluation of tumor biomarkers can be done through blood tests, where the levels of specific markers are measured.
The following table shows tumor marker tests and the diagnosis of various types of cancer:
|
Tumor marker tests |
abbreviation | Diagnosis
(Type of cancer) |
False Results (non-cancerous conditions) |
|
Alpha-fetoprotein |
AFP |
Liver cancer Germ cell cancers (Testicular and Ovarian cancers) |
cirrhosis and hepatitis |
|
Beta-2 Microglobulin |
B2 M | leukemia
lymphoma Myeloma |
Kidney diseases |
|
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin |
β-HCG | Colon cancer
breast cancer Bladder cancer lung cancer prostate cancer Metastatic cancer |
….. |
|
Calcitonin hormone |
…… | Medullary thyroid cancer. |
….. |
|
CarcinoEmbryonic Antigen |
CEA | Colon cancer
Breast cancer Pancreatic cancer thyroid cancer Lung cancer |
…. |
|
CA 19-9 |
…… | Colon cancer
Pancreatic cancer gallbladder and bile duct cancer Stomach cancer |
Bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis thyroid disease inflammatory bowel disease |
|
CA-125 |
….. | Ovarian cancer | ….. |
|
CA15-3 CA27-29 |
….. | Breast cancer |
Elevated with benign breast conditions. |
| Lactate dehydrogenase | LDH | Management of many cancers |
Anemia kidney disease Many infections |
|
Prostate-specific antigen (Total, Free) |
T.PSA
F.PSA |
prostate
cancer |
….. |
| Thyroglobulin | ……. | Some types of thyroid cancer |
….. |
Finally, Cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. If you are considering having a tumor marker test, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, For early detection of cancer, and to do regular check-ups regularly to preserve your life and health.
