Blood Tests For Cancer Diagnosis

Blood Tests for Cancer Diagnosis and Monitoring

Blood Tests for Cancer Diagnosis

Blood tests are commonly used to help diagnose cancer. While no single blood test can accurately diagnose cancer, several tests can provide valuable information about your overall health and the presence of certain cancer-related markers in your blood.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC measures the number of different types of blood cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormalities in the levels of these cells can indicate the presence of cancer or other conditions.

Blood Chemistry Panel

A blood chemistry panel measures the levels of various chemicals in your blood, including electrolytes, enzymes, and proteins. Certain abnormalities in these levels can suggest the presence of certain types of cancer.

Tumor Markers

Tumor markers are substances that are produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. While tumor markers can be elevated in people with cancer, they can also be elevated in people with other conditions, so they are not always specific for cancer diagnosis.

Blood Tests for Cancer Monitoring

For people who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer, blood tests can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and to detect any recurrence of cancer. Blood tests can also be used to monitor for side effects of cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Blood tests play an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer. By measuring the number of blood cells, the levels of chemicals in your blood, and the presence of tumor markers, blood tests can provide valuable information about your overall health and the presence or absence of cancer.