Kasvainmarkkerit

Kasvainmarkkerit, also known as tumor markers, are substances produced by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer. They can be found in a person's blood, urine, or body tissues. The presence or elevated levels of these markers can indicate the presence of cancer, but they are not always definitive.

Many types of tumors can produce specific markers. For example, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a marker often associated with prostate cancer, and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) can be elevated in various gastrointestinal cancers. CA-125 is frequently used in monitoring ovarian cancer. It is important to note that elevated levels of these markers can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions.

The primary uses of kasvainmarkkerit include aiding in cancer diagnosis, determining the stage of the cancer, monitoring the effectiveness of treatment, and detecting recurrence of the cancer after treatment. However, their role in early cancer detection in asymptomatic individuals is limited and often debated due to the possibility of false positives and false negatives.

False positives can lead to unnecessary anxiety and further invasive testing. False negatives can provide a false sense of security. Therefore, kasvainmarkkerit are typically used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods such as imaging scans and biopsies. Their interpretation requires careful consideration by a healthcare professional. Research continues to identify and validate new and more specific tumor markers for various types of cancer.