Common Blood Tests Every Cancer Patient Should Know About

Types of Blood tests for Cancer Diagnosis

Healthcare providers categorize cancer blood tests into four main types. 

These may include:

• Complete Blood Count Tests: CBC tests can detect some blood or immune system cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. These tests can’t detect any types of organ cancers like lung, breast, or colon cancers. These tests help to analyze how the body is responding to the treatment and whether the cancer has spread to the bone marrow or not.
• Tumor marker blood tests: These tests help to identify certain chemicals released into your bloodstream every day. An increased level of these chemicals in the blood can be a sign of cancer. One of the common tumor marker tests is often used to plan treatment. It helps to test the recurrence of cancers like ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer.
• Blood protein tests: These tests help to check for an abnormal level of protein in the blood. While the high protein levels could help to point out certain types of cancer, mostly cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. There are some tests, like the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), which often includes a total protein test by default, which helps to provide more accurate information.
• Circulating tumor cell tests: This is a type of liquid biopsy that checks on the blood. It helps to detect tiny pieces of tumors that break down and start to circulate in the blood flow. These tests are often used to diagnose metastatic cancers, prostate or colon cancers. 

Other tests used to diagnose cancer?

• Biopsy: This procedure involves taking a small sample of tissue from an organ or bone marrow, and later sending it to the lab for analysis. 
• Imaging tests: Performing these tests may include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans, these tests can help you to locate and stage any types of tumors.  
• Other tests: In some rare cases, other specialised tests are performed. For example: Mammogram to help diagnose breast cancer or a Pap smear test to detect the risk of cervical cancer.

Do blood tests detect tumors?

Performing these tests can detect tumors indirectly by identifying some substances released by cancer cells, like any type of abnormal protein, cancer marker, or circulating tumor cell. While it can't confirm a tumor’s presence in the blood, it might often guide some diagnostic imaging tests like CT or MRI scans.

Consult Today

Performing blood tests are much more than any regular routine check-ups, whether you are diagnosed or undergoing any cancer treatments, or in recovery, performing these tests are a critical part of cancer care. If you are suspecting cancer or a health enthusiast, then consult your doctor, and don’t hesitate to ask which types of blood test would help to give you clarity about your suspicion.

At Oncare, we offer premium quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then consult Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist. Get an estimated cost of cancer treatments today.