An integrated approach is important to identify cancer. This diagnosis cannot be made according to one analysis. But at the same time, standard, familiar tests and procedures help to suspect the development of oncology. Stand out, in particular, laboratory diagnostics. What analysis will show oncology, what is worth paying attention to, we will describe further. Represent the most common research.
Immunological assay
What are the indicators of a blood test for oncology? It is difficult to talk about specific figures. After all, a deviation from the norm does not always indicate only the presence of a malignant tumor, as we will see later on with specific examples.
One of the most accurate among those listed today is the immunological analysis of tumor markers. With its help, it is possible to suspect this disease at an early stage. In addition, to monitor the dynamics of the tumor, to diagnose relapse or metastases in time. And evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy prescribed to the patient.
What are tumor markers? These are substances that are associated only with the life of the tumor. In the body of a healthy person they are not found at all. Or are in very small quantities. To date, about 200 such substances are known. Not all of them are determined equally successfully in medical practice, which is why such an analysis cannot be called a 100% accurate way to diagnose oncology.
Hence, an immunological study will be called "blood test for cancer," because its results only suggest the presence of this dangerous pathology, and not diagnose it. Additional instrumental research is indispensable.
For the diagnosis of a malignant tumor, the markers α-fetoprotein and β-chorionic gonadotropin will be the most significant. They are determined with tumors of the ovaries, body and cervix. For men, the prostate-specific antigen PSA will be significant here, whose content increases with prostate cancer. The next most important tumor marker is CA-125. It is found in the blood with serous ovarian cancer.
Other tumor markers have been identified, the increased content of which may indicate the following types of malignant tumors:
- Oncological diseases of the mammary gland.
- Suspected cervical cancer.
- Tumor in the colon.
- Stomach cancer.
- Malignant tumor of the bladder.
- Pancreas cancer.
- Oncological lesions of the thyroid gland.
Blood for such an analysis is donated in the morning, on an empty stomach. Otherwise, at least 4 hours should have passed since the last meal. Blood is drawn from a vein. Analysis results are prepared standardly after 1-2 days. In some paid clinics, they are available only a few hours after blood sampling.
Genetic analysis
Genetic analysis for oncology is the youngest of all presented here. Therefore, scientists have not yet decided how useful it is, how important its results are.
Researchers have found that the mechanism of development of certain types of cancer is associated with genetic mutations. That is, a tendency to cancer can be inherited. The probability of developing cancer due to genetics is quite high - 50%.
But this does not mean that a person will fall ill for sure. If a genetic analysis for oncology shows a predisposition, you can start preventive measures in time, periodically undergo the necessary diagnostics in order to detect and stop cancer in time.
Such an analysis is recommended in cases:
- If close relatives have been diagnosed with cancer.
- Pathologies developed in them at a fairly young age - up to 40 years.
- Relatives were diagnosed with the defeat of not one, but several organs and systems.
So you can detect cancer of the genitourinary system, mammary glands, large intestine and so on. A few days before the fence they refuse spicy, fried, fatty foods, alcohol and smoking. Try to avoid physical and emotional stress during this time. Blood is given on an empty stomach (after at least 8 hours from the last meal). The biomaterial is taken from a vein.
Cytological analysis
The most accurate of these is a cytological examination. It is an integral part of oncology diagnostics. The analysis is so specific that by its results it is possible to correctly determine the type of tumor. But the sensitivity of this technique still depends on the type of cancer and on how well the biomaterial was taken.
When conducting such a study, more than 180 various signs of atypical cells are taken into account. This approach not only helps to determine whether cancer develops in the body. According to its results, a specialist can judge the source of the tumor, present its histological variant, and also distinguish the primary formation from metastasis.
Today, cytological studies are carried out for oncological diseases of almost any location: lungs, skin, ovaries, lymph nodes, uterus, bone marrow, liver, etc.
The specialist collects smears or prints from the surface of the mucous membranes or skin. For example, swabs from the vagina or cervix. In some cases, urine, sputum and other excreted contents are collected. If there is a suspicion that the tumor focus is under the skin surface, then a puncture is performed. That is, the material is taken using a special syringe with a needle. From the thyroid gland, lymph node, liver, or bone marrow.
Typically, the results of a cytological examination await the order of a week. If the case is atypical, then medical meetings are held, specialists compare the collected material with archival. In this case, the patient waits up to 2 weeks for the analysis.
General blood analysis
What analysis will show oncology? To diagnose this disease, a familiar general blood test is also used. Indeed, by its nature, a tumor is an actively developing tissue that consumes substances in large quantities, which are necessary for the vital activity of the patient's body. Emits toxic metabolic products. This leads to changes in blood tests in oncology.
In particular, ESR increases, the number of lymphocytes decreases and the number of neutrophils increases. All this is accompanied by common symptoms:
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Lack of appetite.
- Abrupt loss of body weight.
In particular, the described symptoms often indicate lymphogranulomatosis, histiocytosis, and neuroblastoma.
With the development of a malignant tumor, the hematopoietic system often suffers, which reduces the level of hemoglobin. The toxic effects of the products of the exchange of tumor cells damage the erythrocyte membrane. Therefore, in a blood test for oncology, their pathological varieties - echinocytes can be detected. With bone marrow cancer, the number of immature blood cells is high.
Carrying out a blood test for oncology does not differ from the usual one. Biological material is delivered on an empty stomach (at least 4 hours from the last snack should pass). Blood is collected in a test tube. The analysis results are issued after 1-2 days.
But it should be noted that a general blood test for oncology will not be specific. Based on its results, the diagnosis of cancer is unprofessional. For example, ESR increases with any inflammation in the body. And anemia also occurs with poor nutrition, a lack of iron in the body.
General blood counts
The following indicators will appear in the results of a general blood test for oncology:
- ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). If it is above normal, this indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. In the event that the acceleration is 30% higher than normal, there is reason to suspect cancer.
- Both a decrease and an increase in the number of white blood cells. With oncology, both of these phenomena are observed. If the level of leukocytes is reduced, this indicates that the systems responsible for their production are in a pathological condition. This is observed in bone marrow cancer. If the level of leukocytes is exceeded, this can also indicate a malignant tumor. Since the body here actively produces antibodies to fight foreign cells.
- Decrease in hemoglobin level. This can be considered a sign of oncology by a blood test if the level of platelets also decreases. A low degree of blood coagulation, among other things, indicates leukemia.
- An increased number of immature blood cells. As we have already noted, this is observed in bone marrow pathologies, where they are produced.
- Many granular and immature leukocytes were found.
- A large amount of lymph in the blood and, accordingly, lymphocytes.
Blood chemistry
What analysis shows the presence of oncology in the body? One of the most accurate, detailed here is biochemical. With it, you can determine the first symptoms of the presence of cancer cells in the body.
A biochemical blood test for oncology will differ in the following indicators:
- Albumin, a common protein. Cancer cells actively consume protein. Therefore, its level in the blood will decrease. Along with this, the patient notes a loss of appetite and weight, since proteins, the main building material for cells, cease to enter the body in the right amount. In the event that the tumor affects the liver, a person will suffer from a lack of protein, even with normal nutrition.
- Urea. If this indicator is higher than normal, there is reason to suspect both a deterioration in kidney function and active protein breakdown. This is observed with the active growth of the tumor, and with intoxication with the products of the exchange of cancer cells, and with the active decay of cancer cells in the treatment of the disease.
- Change in blood glucose. An increase in the indicator indicates diabetes mellitus, sarcoma, cancer of the liver, organs of the reproductive system and other oncological diseases. The fact is that tumor cells inhibit the production of insulin, which is why the body does not respond in time to an increase in blood sugar. Therefore, a few years before the onset of obvious symptoms of cancer, the patient may have signs of diabetes. In particular, this occurs in breast and uterine cancer.
- Bilirubin. Its level will be exceeded with any damage to the liver. Including, and oncology.
- Alat. Its level increases with tumor damage to the liver. But it may also indicate the development of other diseases.
- Increased alkaline phosphatase. It can be a sign of a malignant tumor of bone tissues, as well as metastases in them, lesions of the liver, gall bladder with oncological formations.
Blood from a vein is donated for this study. It is advisable to come to the treatment room before breakfast, on an empty stomach. Otherwise, false analysis results are possible. The answer is prepared as standard - in 1-2 days.
Will tests show oncology? The specificity of this study does not make it decisive. That is, on the basis of biochemical analysis alone, it is impossible to suspect oncology. But deviations from the norm here are a reason to worry, to undergo additional examinations.
Blood coagulation tests
What analyzes can determine oncology? Another option is blood coagulation tests. The fact is that with cancer, blood coagulation increases. Which is dangerous both by microthrombi in capillaries and by thrombosis of large vessels.
The formation of microthrombi is fraught with the fact that it accelerates the growth of the tumor. In particular, scientific studies were conducted that proved that the use of drugs that prevent blood coagulation improves the survival of cancer patients even in the case of a deeply advanced process.
This test requires a blood sample from a vein. Specialists study the coagulogram. The results of this analysis are provided in 1-3 business days.
General urine analysis
What analysis will show oncology? As for the analysis of urine, then in this case it will not be specific. But any deviations from the norm here indicate the need for additional diagnostics.
It is important to pay attention to the following:
- Blood in urine. In addition, it may indicate cancer of the urinary tract or bladder. But it is also a symptom of urolithiasis and glomerulonephritis.
- Ketone bodies. Their content in the urine indicates active catabolism (that is, tissue breakdown) in the body. But this may indicate not only tumor processes, but also diabetes. And also talk about following a strict diet.
For this analysis, morning urine is collected in a special container. But not only the container must be sterile. Be sure to take a hygienic shower. If skin cells get into urine, this can distort the results of the analysis. They come after 1-2 days. But once again we repeat that according to the results of a urine test alone, it is impossible to identify an oncological disease.
Additional research
What analysis will show oncology? In addition to all of the above, if a cancer is suspected, the patient may be shown the following:
- Fecal occult blood test.
- Determination of PSA level.
- PAP test.
Laboratory diagnostics
Laboratory findings are not always critical for diagnosis. Often they need to be confirmed using instrumental diagnostics:
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- CT scan.
- Mammography.
- Scintigraphy.
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy.
- Pathomorphological study.
- Dermatoscopy
As you can see, many tests can detect signs of oncology. But not all of them are equally specific. In many cases, additional diagnostics are required.