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Tests aimed at detecting cancer in men are a form of diagnosis that may be recommended by a doctor. Sometimes, however, it is also worth testing in a situation where we belong to a high-risk group. This is especially true for men with a family history of cancer. The most common tumor markers studied in men are PSA, CA 19-9, CEA and AFP.
Cancer markers – what is it?
A cancer marker is a chemical produced in the body when it develops cancer and sometimes other factors. So it happens that substances such as certain antigens (CA 19-9) or enzymes (PSA) do not indicate any disturbing changes. The possibility of developing cancer usually occurs when the amount of a given substance is outside the norm.
When to test tumor markers?
The determination of tumor markers in most cases is performed at the request of a doctor. Such an examination is of diagnostic importance and helps to define the further course of the procedure. Blood tests by which to judge tumor marker levelit is also done to control the treatment of cancer. In people with a history of cancer, the concentration of markers is also important because it may indicate metastasis and recurrence of the disease.
Also check: Which hormones increase the risk of cancer in men?
An indication for the determination of tumor markers in men, there may be abnormal blood test results, including abnormal blood counts or elevated ESR. It is good to test for neoplastic changes on your own, when there is a risk of genetic burden with a disease with such a profile. For men, the primary tumor marker package, as a rule, includes CA 19-9, PSA, AFP, and CEA.
Cancer markers for men is a test done to test the blood for cancer markers. They are performed not only in cases of suspected cancer, but can also be a form of prophylaxis. You can buy the research package on Medonet Market.
Cancer Markers for Men – Which to Examine?
By deciding to investigate tumor marker levels, it is most convenient to choose to label a few of them. This increases the chances of detecting irregularities, and also does not force us to choose between individual factors. This is important when we want to make a wider diagnosis in terms of health. The male tumor marker package, which includes basic antigen tests by default, may be of use.
W the basic package of cancer markers for men we find research:
- PSA antigen – this marker is a specific prostatic antigen, which is an important indicator of men’s health. The PSA enzyme is produced by the cells of the prostate gland, but lesions may be responsible for its increased concentration. Determining the level of this marker should be performed every year by men over 40 years of age. The increase in the level of PSA in the blood is caused, among others, by tumor cells such as adenoma and malignant prostate cancer. The price of a PSA blood test is on average PLN 30-40.
- CA 19-9 antigen – it is a marker, the level of which increases significantly mainly in the presence of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, bile ducts or bronchi. In a healthy person, the concentration of CA 19-9 should not exceed 37 U / ml. It also happens that an increase in this antigen indicates inflammation of the liver or pancreas. The cost of the test including CA 19-9 antigen is around PLN 40.
- CEA antigen – blood tests that analyze the concentration of CEA, i.e. a cancer-fetal protein, are most often used to detect colorectal cancer. Abnormal concentration of this factor is also observed in cancers of the liver, intestines, pancreas, thyroid and lungs. CEA antigen appears in the fetal stage, but later its concentration decreases and should not exceed 5 µg / l. Higher levels of the marker are possible in smokers and in inflammation of organs such as the liver and intestines. The price of the test depends on the laboratory and can range from 35 to 40 PLN.
- AFP antigen – another marker analyzed in the prevention of cancer is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), i.e. a fetal protein. It should not appear in the body in the postnatal life, and the only exception is in the case of pregnancy in women. The presence of AFP in men is a marker of testicular cancer, as well as cancers of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. At low concentrations, cirrhosis and inflammation within the liver are likely causes of the appearance of this protein. The price of the AFP test is PLN 25-40.
- Also find out what tests should be done by men over 50.
Simultaneously with the determination of tumor markers, it is worth performing a complete blood count. All tests should be interpreted by a physician after a detailed interview with the patient.
How is the determination of tumor markers performed?
In the measurement of tumor markers, the material to be tested is blood taken from a vein in the arm. This applies to standard tests, but the determination of cancer antigens is also possible on the basis of urine or body fluids.
Do Blood tests you need to prepare properly. The general rules are to avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea two to three days before the examination, as well as rest and refrain from vigorous physical activity. Tests for the concentration of tumor markers should be performed in full health, so without fever or colds. Men should also consult a doctor if they have a PSA measurement. The recommendation may be to suspend sex before testing, as it may inflate the result.
Are you worried about your test results? Contact your doctor. On the haloDoctor.pl website, you can quickly and safely make an online teleconsultation with an oncologist. Do not hesitate – take care of your health today.