Not a screening, but a tool
In premenopausal women, benign causes of elevations are common - therefore the decision about surgery is based on a complex (ultrasound morphology, ROMA), and not just one number. The maximum value is postmenopause and monitoring: the dynamics of chemotherapy shows the response earlier than CT. Examinations and ultrasound of the pelvis - here, the route is completed during the visit.
When is it appointed?
- observation after tumor treatment is the main role of markers;
- assessment of formations (ovaries - CA-125+HE4/ROMA; liver - AFP);
- prostate cancer screening - PSA by age and risk;
- monitoring the effectiveness of therapy over time;
- differential diagnosis in combination with visualization.
How to understand tumor markers correctly
Markers are a dynamic tool, not a “cancer test”: most grow in benign conditions, but early tumors may not produce them. The strength of markers is in observation after treatment (growth outstrips images by months) and in the assessment of specific formations in conjunction with ultrasound/CT. The exception is PSA: an established screening for prostate cancer. Prescription and interpretation - with a doctor; “a preventive panel of all markers” without indications creates anxiety, not benefit.
