Helpful tips / 29/05/2021

What is the significance of hCG in tumors?

All gestational trophoblastic tumors produce HCG, and it is a valuable marker in these tumors, screening reliably in all cases and indicating poor responses to treatment. The level correlates with tumor mass and thus has prognostic value. HCG is extremely sensitive, being elevated in women with minute amounts of tumor.

Which is the gold standard marker for ovarian cancer?

CA-125 is the gold standard tumor marker in ovarian cancer. Serum level of CA-125 is used to monitor response to chemotherapy, relapse, & disease progression in ovarian cancer patients18. Both AFP and ß-HCG play crucial roles in the management of patients with germ cell tumors.

Are there any tumor markers specific to colon cancer?

Tumor Markers; AFP, HCG, CA-125. Although CEA was first indentified in colon cancer, an abnormal CEA blood level is specific neither for colon cancer nor for malignancy in general. Elevated CEA levels are found in a variety of cancers other than colonic, including pancreatic, gastric, lung, and breast.

What are the markers of germ cell tumors?

Increased level of CA-125 was seen preoperatively in 33/33 cases of serous cystadenocarcinoma and 24/29 cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma. Surprisingly increased levels were also seen in 10/19 germ cell tumor and 8/15 in sex-cord stromal tumors. CEA is raised in mucinous tumors. AFP & ß-HCG were raised in germ cell tumors & sex cord- stromal tumors.

Can a hCG test be used as a tumor marker?

Some abnormal tissues, tumors, and cancers, however, may also produce hCG, making the hCG test useful as a tumor marker. This test measures the amount of intact hCG, and sometimes the beta subunit of hCG, in the blood. An increased level of hCG is seen with gestational trophoblastic disease and some germ cell tumors (benign and cancerous).

Can a tumor marker be used to screen for cancer?

Tumor markers can also be used along with other tests (scans, biopsies, and so on) to help find cancer in a patient who has symptoms that are suspicious for cancer. Some markers can help healthcare providers predict how the patient will do and to pick a treatment plan. Can a tumor marker be used to screen for cancer?

What kind of cancer can be caused by hCG?

Germ cell tumors can affect cells within the testicles that make sperm and account for more than 90% of testicular cancers (for more, see Testicular Cancer). Levels of hCG may also be elevated in other diseases such as liver, breast, lung, skin, and stomach cancers.