Control after surgery
The preoperative level fixes the “starting point” and the prognosis, the postoperative dynamics is the main meaning of the test: confirmed growth triggers CT scanning and the search for operable metastases (liver - resections are available in the clinic). Smoking and inflammation moderately increase CEA - interpretation with an oncologist. It is not used for screening healthy people; colon cancer screening is colonoscopy.
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.
