tumor markers

Tumor markers are substances, often proteins, produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. They can be found in blood, urine, or tissues and are used by doctors to help diagnose cancer, monitor treatment effectiveness, and check for recurrence. While some tumor markers are specific to certain cancers, others may be elevated in benign conditions as well. Common examples include PSA for prostate cancer and CA-125 for ovarian cancer. However, tumor markers alone are not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis and are usually part of a broader diagnostic process.