Cancer Check Profile

Cancer Check

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.

Cancer Markers	Cancers Detected**
AFP	Liver, germ cell cancer of ovaries or testes
CA 19.9	Pancreatic, sometimes bowel and bile ducts
hCG	Testicular & trophoblastic
PSA/Free PSA	Prostate
CA 15.3	Breast & others including lung, ovarian
CA 125	Ovarian
CEA	Bowel, lung, breast, thyroid, pancreatic, liver, cervix & bladder

**Cancer Markers may be elevated in diseases other than cancers also.