Diagnosis and Treatment options

Tumor Markers

Tumor markers are substances produced by cancer cells and sometimes normal cells. Tumor markers are usually not used to diagnose cancer. However, markers are used to detect recurrent cancer. Most doctors find that the most important use for tumor markers is to monitor patients being treated for advanced cancer. If the marker level in the blood goes down, that may be a sign that treatment is effective. If it goes up, then the patient and doctor may decide the treatment should be changed.

Tumor markers can be found in large amounts in the blood or urine of some patients with cancer. Less often, they can also be found in large amounts in the blood or urine of people who do not have cancer. To test for the presence of a tumor marker, the doctor will send a sample of blood or urine to a laboratory.