tumor marker


marker

 [mahr´ker] something that identifies or that is used to identify; see also determinant.cell-surface marker an determinant" >antigenic determinant found on the surface of a specific type of cell.tumor marker a biochemical substance indicative of presence of a tumor; ideally, it should be specific, sensitive, and proportional to tumor load. Called also biomarker.

tu·mor mark·er

a substance, released into the circulation by tumor tissue, the detection of which in the serum indicates the presence of tumor.

tumor marker

Biomarker Oncology Any substance present in ↑ amounts in serum that may be used for early CA detection; most TMs are nonspecific and little used to screen for CA; they may be used to detect recurrence–eg, CEA in Pts with known colorectal and other CAs Examples Oncofetal proteins–α-fetoprotein, CA-125–ovarian CA, CA-15-3–breast CA, CEA–ovarian, lung, breast, pancreas, GI tract CAs, PSA–prostate CA

tu·mor mark·er

(tū'mŏr mahr'kĕr) A substance released into the circulation by tumor tissue; its detection in the serum indicates the presence and specific type of tumor.
Synonym(s): tumour marker.

tu·mor mark·er

(tū'mŏr mahr'kĕr) A substance released into the circulation by tumor tissue; its detection in the serum indicates the presence and specific type of tumor.
Synonym(s): tumour marker, tumour marker.

Patient discussion about tumor marker

Q. what is a safe tumor marker number range? A. depends on the marker...most of the markers are materials that found normally in our body. and there are a number of markers and their levels differentiate. what marker do you mean?

Q. My wife(53) has elevated CEA and CA19.9 levels - near 150, without any concomitant reason/observation? Comment A. Hi Bobby3,
The most important question is why were these tests done?
An elevated level may result from many causes, some of them are simple and some are more problematic. IMHO the best thing would be consulting her doctor to consider the need to check-up her alimentary system.
You can read more here (http://www.ascocancerfoundation.org/patient/ASCO+Resources/Patient+Guides/ASCO+Patient+Guide:+Tumor+Markers+for+Gastrointestinal+Cancers) and here (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/tumor-markers)

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