Comprehensive tumor marker testing for early cancer detection, treatment monitoring, and personalized oncology care strategies.

Posted on Jan 23 2024 by WiseMed Medical Team in cancer-screening, family-history-cancer, suspicious-symptoms, post-cancer-monitoring, high-risk-individuals, chronic-inflammation, unexplained-weight-loss, persistent-fatigue, abnormal-imaging, paraneoplastic-syndromes, early-detection-protocols, liquid-biopsy, immunotherapy-monitoring, precision-oncology, cancer-prevention

Early cancer detection can dramatically improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. WiseMed's Tumor Marker Test provides comprehensive screening for various cancer types using advanced biomarkers that can detect cancer before symptoms appear or monitor treatment effectiveness.

What are Tumor Markers?

Tumor markers are substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. These biomarkers can be found in blood, urine, or tissue samples and serve as valuable tools for cancer screening, diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and detecting recurrence.

Primary Testing Applications

First-Line Screening Conditions:

• Cancer Screening: Early detection in asymptomatic individuals
• Family History of Cancer: Genetic predisposition assessment
• Suspicious Symptoms: Unexplained signs warranting investigation
• Post-Cancer Monitoring: Surveillance after successful treatment
• High-Risk Individuals: Those with increased cancer risk factors

Second-Line Assessment Conditions:

• Chronic Inflammation: Persistent inflammatory states increasing cancer risk
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant unintentional weight reduction
• Persistent Fatigue: Chronic exhaustion without clear cause
• Abnormal Imaging: Suspicious findings on scans or X-rays
• Paraneoplastic Syndromes: Symptoms caused by cancer's indirect effects

Advanced Assessment Applications:

• Early Detection Protocols: Preventive cancer screening programs
• Liquid Biopsy: Non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring
• Immunotherapy Monitoring: Treatment response assessment
• Precision Oncology: Personalized cancer treatment planning
• Cancer Prevention: Risk assessment and prevention strategies

Testing Packages and Pricing

Basic Tumor Marker Package

• Price: 4,200 THB
• Components: Essential cancer markers for common cancers
• Best for: General screening and initial risk assessment

Premium Tumor Marker Package

• Price: Available upon consultation
• Components: Comprehensive multi-cancer biomarker panel
• Best for: High-risk individuals and detailed cancer surveillance

Key Tumor Markers Tested

Common Cancer Markers

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen): Prostate cancer screening
• CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): Colorectal and other cancers
• CA 19-9: Pancreatic and biliary tract cancers
• CA 125: Ovarian cancer and pelvic masses
• CA 15-3: Breast cancer monitoring

Hormone-Related Markers

• hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Testicular and ovarian cancers
• AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein): Liver and testicular cancers
• Thyroglobulin: Thyroid cancer monitoring
• Calcitonin: Medullary thyroid cancer

Advanced Markers

• LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase): Various cancer types
• NSE (Neuron-Specific Enolase): Neuroendocrine tumors
• Chromogranin A: Neuroendocrine tumors
• S-100: Melanoma and neural tumors

Inflammation and General Markers

• ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): General inflammation
• CRP (C-Reactive Protein): Acute phase response
• Ferritin: Iron storage and potential tumor marker
• Beta-2 Microglobulin: Hematological malignancies

Understanding Your Results

Result Interpretation Guidelines

• Normal Range: Values within established reference ranges
• Elevated Levels: May indicate cancer presence or other conditions
• Trending Changes: Serial measurements more important than single values
• False Positives: Benign conditions can also elevate markers

Important Considerations

• Not Diagnostic Alone: Markers support but don't definitively diagnose cancer
• Requires Clinical Correlation: Must be interpreted with symptoms and imaging
• Individual Variation: Normal ranges vary between individuals
• Multiple Factors: Age, gender, and health conditions affect results

Clinical Applications by Cancer Type

Prostate Cancer (Men)

• Primary Marker: PSA levels and trends
• Screening Age: Starting at 50 (earlier for high-risk)
• Monitoring: Post-treatment surveillance
• Reference Range: <4.0 ng/mL (varies by age)

Breast Cancer (Women)

• Primary Markers: CA 15-3, CA 27-29
• Applications: Treatment monitoring and recurrence detection
• Limitations: Not recommended for initial screening
• Complementary: Used with imaging and clinical exam

Colorectal Cancer

• Primary Marker: CEA levels
• Applications: Treatment response and recurrence monitoring
• Screening: Adjunct to colonoscopy and stool tests
• Prognostic Value: Higher levels indicate advanced disease

Ovarian Cancer

• Primary Marker: CA 125 levels
• High-Risk Screening: Women with BRCA mutations
• Symptoms Correlation: Abdominal pain, bloating, early satiety
• Limitations: Can be elevated in benign conditions

Liver Cancer

• Primary Marker: AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein)
• Risk Factors: Hepatitis B/C, cirrhosis
• Screening: High-risk populations
• Monitoring: Treatment response assessment

What to Expect During Testing

• Pre-test Preparation: Usually no fasting required
• Blood Collection: Simple blood draw taking 5-10 minutes
• Sample Processing: Advanced laboratory analysis
• Results Timeline: Available within 2-3 business days
• Consultation: Expert interpretation and follow-up planning

Follow-up and Monitoring Protocols

Abnormal Results Follow-up

• Additional Testing: More specific markers or imaging
• Specialist Referral: Oncology consultation if indicated
• Tissue Biopsy: Definitive diagnosis when necessary
• Staging Studies: Comprehensive cancer assessment

Monitoring Schedule

• High-Risk Individuals: Every 6-12 months
• Post-Cancer Treatment: Every 3-6 months initially
• Stable Remission: Annual monitoring
• Treatment Response: Serial measurements during therapy

Complementary Screening Methods

Imaging Studies

• CT Scans: Cross-sectional imaging
• MRI: Detailed soft tissue evaluation
• PET Scans: Metabolic activity assessment
• Ultrasound: Real-time tissue examination

Tissue-Based Testing

• Biopsy: Definitive cancer diagnosis
• Genetic Testing: Hereditary cancer syndromes
• Molecular Profiling: Targeted therapy selection
• Circulating Tumor DNA: Advanced liquid biopsy

Risk Factors and Prevention

Major Risk Factors

• Age: Cancer risk increases with age
• Family History: Genetic predisposition
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol, diet
• Environmental Exposure: Chemicals, radiation
• Chronic Infections: HPV, hepatitis, H. pylori

Prevention Strategies

• Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet and regular exercise
• Tobacco Cessation: Eliminating smoking and tobacco use
• Vaccination: HPV and hepatitis B vaccines
• Regular Screening: Age-appropriate cancer screening
• Risk Reduction: Medications for high-risk individuals

Limitations and Considerations

Important Limitations

• Not 100% Specific: Can be elevated in non-cancerous conditions
• Stage Dependency: Early-stage cancers may not elevate markers
• Individual Variation: Normal ranges vary between people
• False Negatives: Some cancers don't produce detectable markers

When Additional Testing is Needed

• Persistently Elevated Levels: Require further investigation
• Rapid Increases: Significant changes over time
• Clinical Symptoms: Unexplained signs and symptoms
• Family History: Strong genetic predisposition

Why Choose WiseMed for Tumor Marker Testing?

• Oncology Specialists: Board-certified cancer specialists
• Advanced Laboratory: State-of-the-art testing technology
• Comprehensive Panels: Multiple markers for thorough screening
• Expert Interpretation: Experienced pathologists and oncologists
• Follow-up Care: Complete cancer care coordination
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Latest advances in cancer detection

Schedule Your Tumor Marker Assessment

Early detection saves lives. Take a proactive approach to cancer screening with comprehensive tumor marker testing at WiseMed. Whether you're at high risk, have a family history, or simply want peace of mind, our expert team provides accurate testing and expert guidance for your health.

Pricing may vary based on individual risk factors and specific markers requested. All testing is performed using internationally certified laboratory standards with expert oncological interpretation and comprehensive follow-up care.