What are cancer markers?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about cancer markers, which are substances often produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer that can be used to diagnose or monitor cancer. This might involve understanding different types of cancer markers, their significance, and how they are tested.
Answer
Substances produced by cancer or other cells in response to cancer.
Cancer markers, or tumor markers, are substances, often proteins, produced by cancer cells or other cells of the body in response to cancer. These markers can be found in the blood, urine, or tissues.
Answer for screen readers
Cancer markers, or tumor markers, are substances, often proteins, produced by cancer cells or other cells of the body in response to cancer. These markers can be found in the blood, urine, or tissues.
More Information
Commonly, these markers include proteins and genes, and they can provide important information for diagnosing and monitoring cancer.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming all elevated markers indicate cancer. Some benign conditions can also cause elevated tumor markers.
Sources
- Tumor Markers - NCI - cancer.gov
- What Are Tumor Markers? - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Patient Guide to Tumor Markers | OncoLink - oncolink.org
