| When asked for their opinion on cancer tests, a | | | | of plasma cells). Other tests, such as a bone |
| lot of doctors say that, cancer blood tests and | | | | marrow biopsy, are used to confirm a suspected |
| other lab tests are the first steps, which help a | | | | diagnosis (like the blood cancer). |
| doctor to make a cancer diagnosis. As we wade | | | | 3. Tumor marker tests: Tumor markers are |
| through the dawn of 21st century, we are faced | | | | chemicals made by tumor cells that can be |
| with newer diseases and never ending challenges. | | | | detected in the blood. But tumor makers are also |
| One such (a deadly one) is the cancer. It is a | | | | produced by some normal cells in your body and |
| disease with no guaranteed cure and in most | | | | levels could also be significantly elevated in |
| cases, it is fatal. More than 10 million people in a | | | | noncancerous conditions. This limits the potential |
| year, come in the cadaverous mouth of this | | | | for such kind of tests to help in diagnosing cancer. |
| monster. | | | | Interpreting the results |
| Blood tests alone can also sometimes show the | | | | Test results are interpreted very carefully |
| presence or absence of cancer. If the doctor | | | | because several factors can influence test |
| suspects that you have cancer, he may like to | | | | outcomes, such as variations in your body or |
| order certain cancer blood tests or other | | | | even your diet. In addition, noncancerous |
| laboratory tests, such as an analysis of urine or a | | | | conditions can sometimes cause abnormal test |
| biopsy of a suspicious area, to help guide the | | | | results. And, in other cases, cancer may be |
| diagnosis. Cancer blood tests give the doctor clues | | | | present even though the blood test results don't |
| to the body's inside, which can very well be the | | | | show the same. Doctors usually use test results |
| missing pieces from the puzzle. Just because the | | | | to determine whether your levels fall within a |
| doctor has ordered cancer blood tests or other | | | | normal range or they may compare your results |
| tests to look for signs of cancer doesn't mean | | | | with those from past tests. |
| that a cancer diagnosis has been made and you | | | | Though blood tests can help give your doctor |
| have cancer. | | | | clues, other tests are usually necessary to make |
| Reduce your anxiety by learning more about | | | | a confirmed diagnosis. For most forms of cancer, |
| cancer blood tests, how they are done and how | | | | a biopsy - a procedure to obtain a sample of |
| they prove to be lifesaving. | | | | suspicious cells for testing - is usually necessary to |
| The Blood Tests | | | | make a definitive diagnosis. In some cases, tumor |
| Samples collected with cancer blood tests are | | | | marker levels are monitored over time. The |
| always analyzed in a lab for signs of cancer. The | | | | doctor may schedule follow-up testing in a few |
| samples may show cancer cells directly, proteins | | | | months. He may use these tests to determine |
| or any other substance made by the cancer. | | | | whether if you have cancer or that your cancer |
| Blood tests give the doctor an idea of how well | | | | is responding to treatment or whether your |
| your organs are functioning and if they've been | | | | cancer is growing. |
| affected by any cancer. | | | | The basic problem with this sort of a disease is |
| Examples of blood tests used to diagnose cancer | | | | that oftentimes it is found in stages too advanced |
| include: | | | | for the best treatment opportunities. Half of all |
| 1. Complete blood count (CBC): This common test | | | | patients diagnosed with lung cancer die within a |
| measures the amount of various types of blood | | | | year of diagnosis. Getting tested at an earlier |
| cells in your blood sample. The abnormality is in | | | | stage is the only possible way to control the |
| terms of too many or too few cells of a | | | | devastation that, this disease can cause. So the |
| particular type or abnormal cells. | | | | test results must always be discussed with your |
| 2. Blood protein testing (electrophoresis): This test | | | | doctor and after his opinion, with your family. Ask |
| examines various proteins in blood and can aid in | | | | the doctor what your results say about your |
| detecting certain abnormal immune system | | | | health and in cases of positive diagnosis, what |
| proteins (immunoglobulins) that are sometimes | | | | should be the future course of action. |
| elevated in people with multiple myeloma (cancer | | | | |