Tests for cancer diagnosis and treatment Ludhiana: Oncologists use different laboratory tests for cancer patients. During the lab tests for cancer, blood samples, urine, tissue, or bodily fluids are examined for abnormal cells or tumor markers to tell whether the person has the problem or not.
What are the laboratory tests?
Lab tests are also performed to check the high-risk patients and check the cancer stage. It makes it easier to determine the treatment plan and check whether your body is responding to the treatment or not.
Types of laboratory test
CTC test
Cellsearch™ circulating tumor cell tests are used to monitor prostate, colorectal, and metastatic breast cancer. This test helps to capture, count, and check the circulating tumor cells in a blood sample. These detach from solid tumors and then they enter the bloodstream.
Complete blood count test
CBC is short for the Complete blood count test which measures the blood cells circulating in the bloodstream. It measures the red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body, fights infection, white blood cells, and platelets.
Additionally, it can detect a variety of conditions which include anemia, infection, and leukemia. During cancer treatment, the blood count can get low so the doctor does a CBC test throughout the treatment to monitor your condition carefully.
Flow cytometry
This test diagnoses and classifies certain cancers like Lymphoma and leukemia. It even helps to evaluate the risk of recurrence. This test measures the cell properties in a sample with bone marrow, lymph nodes, or blood. It can even help to measure the DNA amount in cancer cells.
Mammaprint + Blueprint® test
The Mammaprint® 70-Gene Breast Cancer Recurrence Assay can determine the risk of cancer coming back. If the score is high then there are 3-in-10 chances it will return. A low-risk result puts the chances at 1-in-10. With the assessment, it can help the doctor to guide you better and give you the treatment accordingly.
Oncotype DX® test
The Oncotype DX lab test helps to determine whether chemo sessions will benefit patients during the early stage of breast cancer. It even helps to check the recurrence of cancer. The test is performed on the tissues which are removed during surgery. This test helps to get specific information which makes it easier to make a better decision.
What are tumour markers?
Tumor markers are substances in the body which are produced in higher quantity when cancer condition is present. These are found in urine, blood, stool, or tumor tissue. The tumor markers substances are protein. But, these cannot be sued alone to diagnose cancer. These are used in combination with other tests. Tumor marker tests used to diagnose cancer include:
CA-125 test
A CA-125 test measures the amount of cancer antigen 125 in blood. Cancer types which lead to higher-than-normal levels of CA-125 include:
- Ovarian
- Colon
- Endometrial
- Esophageal
- Fallopian tube
- Pancreatic
- Breast
- Stomach
- Liver
- Lung
Prostate-specific antigen test
A prostate-specific antigen test measures the level of PSA in the blood. A high PSA indicates noncancerous conditions, such as inflammation of the prostate and enlargement of the prostate. For better understanding, book your cancer consultation with our experienced oncologist today only!
