Cancer Screening - Men

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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: AFP and AFP-L3%, AlphaFetoprotein AFP and AFPL3

AFP

AFP is used as a tumor marker to help detect and diagnose cancers of the liver, testes, and ovaries. Though the test is often ordered to monitor people with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C because they have an increased lifetime risk of developing liver cancer. If a person has been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma or another form of AFP-producing cancer, an AFP test may be ordered periodically to help monitor the person's response to therapy and to monitor for cancer recurrence.

AFP-L3

An AFP-L3% is sometimes also ordered to compare the amount of the AFP variant called AFP-L3 to the total amount of AFP. The test is used to help evaluate the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in those with chronic liver disease, and also to evaluate response of hepatocellular carcinoma to treatment.

Also known as: CA 125 Tumor Marker, CA-125, Cancer Antigen 125, OC125, Ovarian Antigen

Ca 125

The Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a protein that is present on the surface of most, but not all, ovarian cancer cells. This makes the test useful as a tumor marker in specific circumstances. Significantly elevated concentrations of CA-125 may be present in the blood of a woman who has ovarian cancer. Small quantities of CA-125 are produced by normal tissues throughout the body and by some other cancers. Levels in the blood may be moderately elevated with a variety of non-cancerous conditions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Also known as: CA 199, Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9

Ca 19-9

Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cancer cells. CA 19-9 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 19-9 is elevated in 70% to 95% of people with advanced pancreatic cancer, but it may also be elevated in other cancers, conditions, and diseases such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gallbladder cancer, bile duct obstruction (e.g., gallstones), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease. Small amounts of CA 19-9 are present in the blood of healthy people.

Also known as: Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Cea

The CEA test measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby in the womb. The blood level of this protein disappears or becomes very low after birth. In adults, an abnormal level of CEA may be a sign of cancer.

Also known as: PSA

Psa, Total

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. It is a protein produced by prostate cells. The PSA test is done to help diagnose and follow prostate cancer in men.
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The Cancer Screening - Men panel contains 5 tests with 6 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Cancer Screening - Men panel is a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to detect early signs of various cancers in men. This panel includes a series of tests that measure specific biomarkers associated with different types of cancer. By assessing these biomarkers, healthcare providers can identify the presence of cancer at an early stage, when treatment is often more effective. This panel is crucial for men who are at higher risk of developing cancer due to factors such as age, family history, or lifestyle.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the Cancer Screening - Men Panel May Be Ordered

The Cancer Screening - Men panel may be ordered for individuals who are at an increased risk of cancer due to family history, genetic predisposition, or other risk factors such as smoking or exposure to carcinogens. It is also recommended for men over a certain age as part of routine health screening. This panel helps in the early detection of cancer, enabling timely intervention and increasing the chances of successful treatment.

What the Cancer Screening - Men Panel Checks For

The Cancer Screening - Men panel includes several critical tests that provide insights into various aspects of cancer detection:

Alpha-Fetoprotein and AFP-L3

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. Elevated levels of AFP in adults can indicate liver cancer or other malignancies. The AFP-L3 fraction is a specific variant of AFP that is more closely associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.

CA 125

CA 125 is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer, most notably ovarian cancer. While more commonly used in women, elevated levels in men can indicate other types of malignancies.

CA 19-9

CA 19-9 is a carbohydrate antigen that is elevated in the blood of individuals with pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies. This marker helps in the detection and monitoring of these cancers.

CEA

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein that can be found in higher levels in individuals with certain types of cancer, including colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, and lung cancers. It is useful for both diagnosis and monitoring of treatment efficacy.

PSA Total

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate-related conditions. This test is essential for early detection and monitoring of prostate cancer in men.

Conditions or Diseases the Cancer Screening - Men Panel Can Detect

The Cancer Screening - Men panel is essential for detecting various types of cancers in men:

Liver Cancer

Elevated levels of AFP and the AFP-L3 fraction can indicate liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. These markers help in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of liver cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer

The CA 19-9 marker is highly indicative of pancreatic cancer. Elevated levels of CA 19-9 can help in the early detection of pancreatic cancer and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Colorectal Cancer

CEA is a significant marker for colorectal cancer. Elevated levels of CEA can indicate the presence of colorectal cancer and help in monitoring treatment and recurrence.

Prostate Cancer

PSA is a critical marker for prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer or benign prostate conditions. Regular monitoring of PSA levels helps in early detection and managing prostate health.

Using the Results of the Cancer Screening - Men Panel

Liver Cancer

Healthcare professionals use elevated AFP and AFP-L3 results to diagnose liver cancer. These markers help in determining the extent of the disease and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Regular screening of these markers is essential for individuals at high risk of liver cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer

Elevated CA 19-9 levels guide the diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. Healthcare providers use these results to assess the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Colorectal Cancer

CEA levels are used to diagnose colorectal cancer and monitor its progression. Elevated CEA levels can indicate the need for further diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopy or imaging studies, and help in tracking treatment response.

Prostate Cancer

PSA levels are critical for diagnosing and monitoring prostate cancer. Healthcare providers use PSA results to decide on further diagnostic procedures, such as biopsy, and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and the possibility of recurrence.

The Cancer Screening - Men panel provides a comprehensive evaluation of key biomarkers associated with various cancers in men. By assessing these markers, this panel enables early detection and effective monitoring of cancer, improving the chances of successful treatment. Regular screening through this panel is essential for men at risk of cancer, ensuring timely intervention and better health outcomes. This proactive approach to cancer screening helps in maintaining overall health and well-being.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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