Tumor marker testing

Tumor marker testing involves analyzing blood, urine, or tissue samples to detect substances called tumor markers, which are produced by cancer cells or in response to cancer. These markers can help identify the presence of certain types of cancer, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, or check for recurrence after treatment. However, they are not definitive for diagnosing cancer alone, as many markers can be elevated due to benign conditions. Therefore, tumor marker tests are used alongside other diagnostic procedures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's health status.