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<span>Tumor Marker Tests</span>
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<h1>Tumor Marker Tests</h1>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What are tumor marker tests?</h2>
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<p>These tests look for tumor markers, which are sometimes called cancer markers. Tumor markers are substances that are often made by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to <a data-tid="25" href="https://medlineplus.gov/cancer.html">cancer</a>. For example, some tumor markers are proteins that certain cancer cells make in larger amounts than normal cells do. Changes in the genes and other parts of tumor cells can be tumor markers, too.</p>
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<p>Certain tumor markers may be found in samples of body fluids, such as blood or urine (pee). Other tumor markers are found in samples of cells that are removed from a tumor during a <a data-tid="5921" href="https://medlineplus.gov/biopsy.html">biopsy</a>.</p>
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<p>Tumor marker tests are mainly used after you have a cancer diagnosis. The test results may help answer important questions about your cancer, such as:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>How fast is the cancer growing?</li>
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<li>What type of treatment is most likely to help?</li>
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<li>Is the treatment really working?</li>
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<li>Has cancer come back after treatment?</li>
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</ul>
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<p>Not all cancers have known tumor markers. And the tumor markers that are known don't provide perfect information. That's because:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>Some conditions that aren't cancer may also cause high levels of certain tumor markers. Tumor marker tests can't tell whether tumor markers come from cancer or from another condition.</li>
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<li>Some people don't make high levels of the tumor markers that are commonly found in their type of cancer.</li>
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</ul>
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<p>But even with these limits, tumor marker testing can often give a more complete picture of your cancer when they are used along with the results of other tests and exams.</p></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What are they used for?</h2>
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<p>Tumor marker tests are mainly used to learn more about a known cancer. But in certain cases, they may be used to screen for cancer or to help diagnose the disease.</p>
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<p><strong>Tumor marker tests are most often used after you have a cancer diagnosis.</strong> When used with other tests, tumor markers may help:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>Find out whether cancer has spread to other parts of your body (cancer stage)</li>
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<li>Predict how fast your cancer may grow, the chance of recovery, and whether cancer is likely to return</li>
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<li>Select the right treatment for your type of cancer. Some treatments work only with cancers that have certain tumor markers. Tumor markers that help plan treatment are also called biomarkers.</li>
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<li>Monitor how well your treatment is working. If tumor marker levels go down, it usually means your treatment is helping.</li>
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<li>Find any cancer that remains after treatment or cancer that comes back after treatment.</li>
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</ul>
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<p><strong>Some tumor marker tests that use body fluids (mainly blood or urine) have a limited role in <a data-tid="4482" href="https://medlineplus.gov/healthscreening.html">screening</a> for certain types of cancer.</strong> The tests are mostly used to screen people who:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>Have a <strong>high risk</strong> for the type of cancer that's linked to the tumor marker being measured</li>
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<li>Have <strong>symptoms</strong> that could be from that type of cancer.</li>
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</ul>
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<p>Tumor marker tests that are used to screen for cancer can't diagnose cancer. If you have a high level of tumor markers, it only means that you're more likely to have cancer. A biopsy is usually needed to diagnose or rule out cancer.</p>
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<p><strong>Tumor marker tests that use cells from a tumor may help diagnose cancer.</strong> These "tumor cell markers" are usually removed during a biopsy. They may be used with other tests to confirm a cancer diagnosis and decide on the best treatment.</p></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Why do I need a tumor marker test?</h2>
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<p>You may need a tumor marker test if you:</p>
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||
<ul>
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||
<li>Are currently being treated for cancer</li>
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<li>Have finished cancer treatment</li>
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||
<li>Have a high risk of getting a certain type of cancer because it runs in your family, or you have other conditions that increase your risk</li>
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||
</ul>
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<p>The type of test you have will depend on your health and health history, cancer diagnosis, and the symptoms you may have. Below are some of the most common types of tumor markers and how they are used. Some tumor markers are linked with only one type of cancer. Others are linked with many different types of cancers:</p>
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<!-- Begin Chart -->
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||
<!-- Begin section 1 -->
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||
<table border="0" class="info-table-1" width="95%"><thead>
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||
<tr><th colspan="2"><a data-pid="800" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ca-125-blood-test-ovarian-cancer/" style="color:white;">CA 125 (cancer antigen 125)</a>
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||
<br/>
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||
</th></tr>
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||
</thead>
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<tbody><tr class="r1"><td scope="row"><strong>Tumor marker for:</strong></td>
|
||
<td><a data-tid="348" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ovariancancer.html">ovarian cancer</a></td></tr>
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||
<tr class="r2"><td scope="row"><strong>Used to:</strong></td>
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||
<td>
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||
<ul>
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||
<li>See if cancer treatment is working</li>
|
||
<li>See if cancer has come back after you've finished treatment</li>
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||
</ul>
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</td></tr></tbody></table>
|
||
<!-- End section 1 -->
|
||
<br/>
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||
<br/>
|
||
<!-- Begin section 2 -->
|
||
<table border="0" class="info-table-1" width="95%"><thead>
|
||
<tr><th colspan="2">CA 15-3 and CA 27-29 (cancer antigens 15-3 and 27-29)</th></tr>
|
||
</thead>
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||
<tbody><tr class="r1"><td scope="row"><strong>Tumor markers for:</strong></td>
|
||
<td><a data-tid="3" href="https://medlineplus.gov/breastcancer.html">breast cancer</a></td></tr>
|
||
<tr class="r2"><td scope="row"><strong>Used to:</strong></td>
|
||
<td>Monitor treatment in people with advanced breast cancer</td></tr></tbody></table>
|
||
<!-- End section 2 -->
|
||
<br/>
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||
<br/>
|
||
<!-- Begin section 3 -->
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||
<table border="0" class="info-table-1" width="95%"><thead>
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||
<tr><th colspan="2">PSA (prostate-specific antigen)</th></tr>
|
||
</thead>
|
||
<tbody><tr class="r1"><td scope="row"><strong>Tumor marker for:</strong></td>
|
||
<td><a data-tid="112" href="https://medlineplus.gov/prostatecancer.html">prostate cancer</a></td></tr>
|
||
<tr class="r2"><td scope="row"><strong>Used to:</strong></td>
|
||
<td>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li><a data-tid="6208" href="https://medlineplus.gov/prostatecancerscreening.html">Screen for prostate cancer</a></li>
|
||
<li>Help diagnose prostate cancer</li>
|
||
<li>Monitor treatment</li>
|
||
<li>Check to see if cancer has come back after you've finished treatment</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
</td></tr></tbody></table>
|
||
<!-- End section 3 -->
|
||
<br/>
|
||
<br/>
|
||
<!-- Begin section 4 -->
|
||
<table border="0" class="info-table-1" width="95%"><thead>
|
||
<tr><th colspan="2"><a data-pid="2947" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cea-test/" style="color:white;">CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)</a>
|
||
<br/>
|
||
</th></tr>
|
||
</thead>
|
||
<tbody><tr class="r1"><td scope="row"><strong>Tumor marker for:</strong></td>
|
||
<td><a data-tid="88" href="https://medlineplus.gov/colorectalcancer.html">colorectal cancer</a>, and also for cancers of the <a data-tid="86" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lungcancer.html">lung</a>, <a data-tid="419" href="https://medlineplus.gov/stomachcancer.html">stomach</a>, <a data-tid="438" href="https://medlineplus.gov/thyroidcancer.html">thyroid</a>, <a data-tid="469" href="https://medlineplus.gov/pancreaticcancer.html">pancreas</a>, breast, and ovary</td></tr>
|
||
<tr class="r2"><td scope="row"><strong>Used to:</strong></td>
|
||
<td>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>See if cancer treatment is working</li>
|
||
<li>See if cancer has come back after you've finished treatment</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
</td></tr></tbody></table>
|
||
<!-- End section 4 -->
|
||
<br/>
|
||
<br/>
|
||
<!-- Begin section 5 -->
|
||
<table border="0" class="info-table-1" width="95%"><thead>
|
||
<tr><th colspan="2"><a data-pid="1281" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/alpha-fetoprotein-afp-tumor-marker-test/" style="color:white;">AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein)</a>
|
||
<br/>
|
||
</th></tr>
|
||
</thead>
|
||
<tbody><tr class="r1"><td scope="row"><strong>Tumor marker for:</strong></td>
|
||
<td><a data-tid="309" href="https://medlineplus.gov/livercancer.html">liver cancer</a>, and cancers of the ovary or <a data-tid="434" href="https://medlineplus.gov/testicularcancer.html">testicles</a></td></tr>
|
||
<tr class="r2"><td scope="row"><strong>Used to:</strong></td>
|
||
<td>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>Help diagnose liver cancer</li>
|
||
<li>Find out if cancer has spread (the stage of cancer)</li>
|
||
<li>See if cancer treatment is working</li>
|
||
<li>Predict chances for recovery</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
</td></tr></tbody></table>
|
||
<!-- End section 5 -->
|
||
<br/>
|
||
<br/>
|
||
<!-- Begin section 6 -->
|
||
<table border="0" class="info-table-1" width="95%"><thead>
|
||
<tr><th colspan="2"><a data-pid="1289" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/beta-2-microglobulin-b2m-tumor-marker-test/" style="color:white;">B2M (Beta 2-microglobulin)</a>
|
||
<br/>
|
||
</th></tr>
|
||
</thead>
|
||
<tbody><tr class="r1"><td scope="row"><strong>Tumor marker for:</strong></td>
|
||
<td><a data-tid="332" href="https://medlineplus.gov/multiplemyeloma.html">multiple myeloma</a>, some <a data-tid="117" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lymphoma.html">lymphomas</a>, and <a data-tid="5620" href="https://medlineplus.gov/leukemia.html">leukemias</a></td></tr>
|
||
<tr class="r2"><td scope="row"><strong>Used to:</strong></td>
|
||
<td>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>See if cancer treatment is working</li>
|
||
<li>Predict chances for recovery</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
</td></tr></tbody></table>
|
||
<!-- End section 6 -->
|
||
<!-- End Chart -->
|
||
<br/>
|
||
<br/></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What happens during a tumor marker test?</h2>
|
||
<p>Blood tests are the most common type of tumor marker tests. Urine tests or biopsies are also frequently used to check for tumor markers. A biopsy is a minor procedure that involves removing a small piece of tissue for testing.</p>
|
||
<p><strong>For a blood test:</strong> A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.</p>
|
||
<p><strong>For a urine test:</strong> Your health care provider will tell you how to provide your sample.</p>
|
||
<p><strong>For a biopsy:</strong> A provider will remove a small piece of tissue. There are many ways to do a biopsy, depending on where the sample is located. A biopsy of your skin may be done by cutting or scraping the area. A biopsy of tissue from inside your body may use a special needle to remove a sample or a small incision (cut) to remove all or part of a suspicious area.</p></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?</h2>
|
||
<p><strong>For a blood or urine test:</strong> You usually don't need any special preparations.</p>
|
||
<p><strong>For a biopsy:</strong> You may need to <a data-pid="858" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/fasting-for-a-blood-test/">fast</a> (not eat or drink) for several hours before the procedure.</p>
|
||
<p>Talk with your provider if you have any questions about preparing for your test.</p></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Are there any risks to the test?</h2>
|
||
<p><strong>For a blood test:</strong> There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.</p>
|
||
<p><strong>For a urine test:</strong> There is no risk to a urine test.</p>
|
||
<p><strong>For a biopsy:</strong> You may have a little bruising or bleeding at biopsy site. You may also have a little discomfort for a day or two.</p></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What do the results mean?</h2>
|
||
<p>Your provider will review your tumor marker test results along with other information about your condition. Together, you can discuss how your results affect your diagnosis, treatment, and schedule for future testing.</p>
|
||
<p>Learn more about <a data-pid="806" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/">laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results</a>.</p></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-refs mp-content"><h2>References</h2>
|
||
<ol>
|
||
<li>Cancer.Net [Internet]. Alexandra (VA): American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2005-2022. Tumor Marker Tests; [updated 2020 May; cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/tests-and-procedures/tumor-marker-tests" target="bibliowin">https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/tests-and-procedures/tumor-marker-tests</a></li>
|
||
<li>Hinkle J, Cheever K. Brunner & Suddarth's Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 2nd Ed, Kindle. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; c2014. Cancer Tumor Markers (CA 15-3 [27, 29], CA 19-9, CA-125, and CA-50); 121 p.</li>
|
||
<li>Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; c2022. Diagnosis of Cancer; [updated 2020 Sep; cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/cancer/overview-of-cancer/diagnosis-of-cancer" target="bibliowin">https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/cancer/overview-of-cancer/diagnosis-of-cancer</a></li>
|
||
<li>National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Tumor Markers; [updated 2021 May 11; cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/diagnosis/tumor-markers-fact-sheet#q1" target="bibliowin">https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/diagnosis/tumor-markers-fact-sheet#q1</a></li>
|
||
<li>National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests; [updated 2022 Mar 24; cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-tests" target="bibliowin">https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-tests</a></li>
|
||
<li>Oncolink [Internet]. Philadelphia: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania; c2022. Patient Guide to Tumor Markers; [updated 2022 Mar 1; cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/procedures-diagnostic-tests/blood-tests-tumor-diagnostic-tests/patient-guide-to-tumor-markers" target="bibliowin">https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/procedures-diagnostic-tests/blood-tests-tumor-diagnostic-tests/patient-guide-to-tumor-markers</a></li>
|
||
<li>Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Biopsy; [cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: <a href="https://www.testing.com/glossary/#biopsy" target="bibliowin">https://www.testing.com/glossary/#biopsy</a></li>
|
||
<li>Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Tumor Markers; [updated 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 12 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.testing.com/tests/tumor-markers/" target="bibliowin">https://www.testing.com/tests/tumor-markers/</a></li>
|
||
<li>University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2022. Health Encyclopedia: Lab Tests for Cancer; [cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=p07248" target="bibliowin">https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=p07248</a></li>
|
||
<li>UW Health: American Family Children's Hospital [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2022. Kids Health: Biopsies; [updated 2019 Jul 1; cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://patient.uwhealth.org/kidshealth/en/parents/biopsy.html/article" target="bibliowin">https://patient.uwhealth.org/kidshealth/en/parents/biopsy.html/article</a></li>
|
||
<li>UW Health [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2022. Tumor Markers: Topic Overview; [updated 2021 Sep 8; cited 2022 Jun 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthwise/article/en-us/abq3994" target="bibliowin">https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthwise/article/en-us/abq3994</a></li>
|
||
</ol></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
</div>
|
||
|
||
<div class="side">
|
||
<aside>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="side-section">
|
||
<div class="section-header">
|
||
<h2>Related Health Topics</h2>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<div class="section-body">
|
||
<ul class="relatedmp">
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/biopsy.html">Biopsy</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/breastcancer.html">Breast Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/cancer.html">Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/colorectalcancer.html">Colorectal Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/geneticcounseling.html">Genetic Counseling</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/geneticdisorders.html">Genetic Disorders</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/healthscreening.html">Health Screening</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/leukemia.html">Leukemia</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lungcancer.html">Lung Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lymphoma.html">Lymphoma</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/multiplemyeloma.html">Multiple Myeloma</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ovariancancer.html">Ovarian Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/pancreaticcancer.html">Pancreatic Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/prostatecancer.html">Prostate Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/prostatecancerscreening.html">Prostate Cancer Screening</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/stomachcancer.html">Stomach Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/testicularcancer.html">Testicular Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/thyroidcancer.html">Thyroid Cancer</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
</ul>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div></section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="side-section">
|
||
<div class="section-header">
|
||
<h2>Related Medical Tests</h2>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<div class="section-body">
|
||
<ul class="relatedmp">
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/alpha-fetoprotein-afp-tumor-marker-test/">Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Tumor Marker Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/beta-2-microglobulin-b2m-tumor-marker-test/">Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Tumor Marker Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/braf-genetic-test/">BRAF Genetic Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/brca-test/">BRCA Genetic Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/breast-biopsy/">Breast Biopsy</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ca-19-9-blood-test-pancreatic-cancer/">CA 19-9 Blood Test (Pancreatic Cancer)</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ca-125-blood-test-ovarian-cancer/">CA-125 Blood Test (Ovarian Cancer)</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/calcitonin-test/">Calcitonin Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cea-test/">CEA Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/fasting-for-a-blood-test/">Fasting for a Blood Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/her2-tumor-marker-test/">HER2 Tumor Marker Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-cope-with-medical-test-anxiety/">How to Cope with Medical Test Anxiety</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/">How to Understand Your Lab Results</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/lung-cancer-genetic-tests/">Lung Cancer Genetic Tests</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/pdl1-immunotherapy-tests/">PDL1 (Immunotherapy) Tests</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prostate-specific-antigen-psa-test/">Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/pten-genetic-test/">PTEN Genetic Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/thyroglobulin/">Thyroglobulin</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/tp53-genetic-test/">TP53 Genetic Test</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/what-you-need-to-know-about-blood-testing/">What You Need to Know About Blood Testing</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
</ul>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div></section>
|
||
|
||
</aside>
|
||
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|
||
|
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|
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<p>The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.</p>
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