Tumor Markers

Tumor markers are substances that can often be detected in higher than normal amounts in the blood, urine or body tissues of some patients with certain types of cancer. Tumor markers are produced either by the tumor itself or by the body in response to the presence of cancer or other benign conditions. Measurement of tumor marker levels alone is not sufficient to diagnose cancer, which must be confirmed by other tests. Examples of some tumor markers tested at KNC: PSA, CA 125, CEA, CA19-9, CA 27-29, CA 15-3.