Oncology, cancer, tumor - these words can lead to a stupor, they scare many, often justifiably. But it is not these definitions themselves and the associative analogies that are attached to them that are more terrible. A terrible doom is terrible if the disease is in an advanced stage, if the diagnosis was made too late, and metastases developed quickly. Unfortunately, in Russia there is a belief only in a negative-doomed outcome, while, as in European countries, cancer is no longer a verdict.
General provisions
Complete blood count is the most common and simple procedure, the benefits of which are significant and indicative. The eye of the laboratory assistant is able to immediately recognize the presence of pathology. A detailed blood test is more informative, but what does the general one take into account? Key figures:
- hemoglobin level;
- leukocyte formula;
- number of red blood cells and white blood cells;
- settlement rateerythrocytes (ESR);
- platelet count;
blood clotting
What do deviations from the norm indicate?
Changes in blood counts can be very different from the norm in the body of an absolutely he althy person with a common cold. In this case, it is considered completely normal and even obligatory to increase the number of leukocytes, which during this period are actively fighting viruses or infection. At this time, it does not make sense to donate blood, it is better to wait for a complete recovery and restoration of the body for an adequate informative "blood picture". Any kind of deviation in the blood test (as in oncology) with the patient's apparent he alth should be alert. In this case, it is worth discussing the further course of the examination with the therapist in more detail, because already at this stage the indicators may indicate the presence of tumors, the development of anemia or leukemia.
As a rule, the confirmation of oncology in a biochemical blood test is associated with an increased number of leukocytes, reduced platelet and hemoglobin levels, as well as the detection of lympho- and myelo-blasts.
Let's dwell on the deviations in individual indicators.
RBCs: what does a decrease in red blood cells indicate?
These may be manifestations of the following diseases:
- cardiovascular;
- processes of different nature in the lungs;
- leukemia, lymphocytic leukemia;
- metastasis, as secondary malignant formations.
However, it is worth considering thata decrease in red blood cells can occur with beriberi, stressful situations and physical exertion. Therefore, for an adequate assessment of laboratory parameters, the above factors are advised to be excluded before the upcoming analysis.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
ESR is determined depending on the speed of their separation from the plasma. An increase indicates inflammatory processes and such pathologies, for the treatment of which anti-inflammatory and antibacterial therapy is effective. This may indicate a reversible intoxication of the body or poisoning, or it may be a common picture characteristic of the postoperative period. If the body does not respond to treatment, the following serious diseases can be suspected:
- tuberculosis, pneumonia;
- syphilis;
- endocarditis;
- malignant tumors of different localization.
However, it must be taken into account that a high ESR is not an unequivocal confirmation of the presence of oncology. An important next step is a blood test for tumor markers. Low ESR values occur during fasting and low-carbohydrate diets, as well as while taking hydrocortisone, prednisolone and other corticosteroid drugs.
Hemoglobin
From the school anatomy course we know that hemoglobin is involved in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the circulatory system, it also controls the pH balance in the blood. A decrease in hemoglobin is noted with large blood loss, in all other cases itshould cause fear and anxiety. Downward indicators are typical for oncology, especially for leukemia, cancer of the stomach, intestines and lungs. A high level will usually indicate chronic lung disease and heart disease. Such a picture is often typical for pilots and climbers, but for everyone else it is an unacceptable norm.
A decrease in platelets inevitably leads to a deterioration in blood clotting - this is typical of some forms of leukemia and liver cancer.
Leukocytes
White blood cells protect our body from viruses and infections, cleanse the blood, performing their regenerative function. The appearance of the slightest threat makes them multiply and defend themselves with all their might in order to resist the disease. Sometimes an increase in women occurs during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as during the menstrual cycle, which is the norm. In other cases, provocateurs of rapid growth are ongoing processes of various genesis:
- inflammatory, infectious, bacterial or fungal, this is tonsillitis, pneumonia, peritonitis, abscesses, etc.;
- postoperative conditions, trauma;
- cancer formation.
Decrease in blood counts can also be caused by some forms of cancer, in particular leukemia, as well as infections and influenza. Therefore, any changes in the blood test in oncology should be interpreted by a specialist, as well as competent treatment should be prescribed, because each case is different and everything is purely individual.
Possible main reasons for decline:
- infections: viral hepatitis, typhoid fever, AIDS, flu;
- radiation sickness and its complications;
- diseases of the bone marrow, etc.;
- some types of cancer.
Tumor markers
A new word in laboratory diagnostics has long and firmly occupied the analysis of tumor markers. Tumor markers are antigens produced by the human body from cells of a certain malignant genesis.
What will a blood test for oncology show? With a greater degree of probability, he is able to identify the type and determine the nature of the tumor: the indicators will go off scale in the presence of cancer.
This study is also assigned to:
- confirmation or denial of the presence of a tumor;
- determination of tumor localization, stage of development, size;
- to detect metastasis;
- control and monitoring the effectiveness of prescribed treatment;
- differentiation of the nature of the tumor.
Watch out for early signs of cancer
Unfortunately, the statistics of cancer patients in Russia is such that the vast majority seek help too late: at the stage when a cure is already unlikely or impossible. Do not ignore even the most minor ailments, unlike the usual overexertion. After all, it is obvious that with early diagnosis, the curability of the disease and the achievement of remission are extremely high.
What blood tests for oncology should be taken, the attending oncologist will tell you.
Most tumors in the early stages may not manifest themselves, buta person can feel absolutely he althy, and only the results of a blood test can alert an experienced specialist. Oncologists call this the "precancerous stage." Therefore, it is so important to monitor changes in indicators in the blood test in oncology. The sooner the pathology is diagnosed, the greater the chance of recovery.
When you need to donate blood for oncology
Any problems in the body are reflected in the blood test. In order to prevent the onset or progression of pathological processes of a malignant nature, it is necessary to take a general blood test for oncology, especially:
- in inflammatory processes: protracted, chronic and untreatable;
- in the absence of the body's response to drug therapy;
- with a clear decrease in immunity;
- with frequent subfebrile body temperature;
- for sudden unexplained weight loss;
- with the development of malaise, weakness and impotence, asthenia and depression;
- for prevention purposes at least once a year.
Preparing for blood sampling
There are a number of generally accepted rules and recommendations that must be followed before donating blood in order to avoid errors and distortion of the result:
- donate blood strictly on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours before the start of the study);
- you should avoid mental and physical stress, bring your emotional state back to normal (this is especially important when donating blood for hormones, cortisol in particular);
- a few days beforedonating blood, try to exclude fatty foods and alcohol from the diet;
- refrain from taking medication on the day of the test, or follow your doctor's instructions.
On the day of the examination, plain non-carbonated water is allowed.
Can a blood test detect cancer?
It is impossible to give a definite answer to this question. A blood test shows the presence of abnormalities. Changes signal that the body is not all right, and it requires a more detailed examination. And if the indicators were not subject to distortion due to a recent illness, alcohol drunk the day before or a cigarette smoked, even in this case everything is purely individual, and it is wrong to deliberately diagnose yourself with cancer. The interpretation of a blood test for oncology should be entrusted to your oncologist, who has read your medical history. Immediately, he can prescribe specific markers for cancer, which will definitely confirm or refute all suspicions.
What's next
When oncomarkers are detected in the blood to determine the further course of treatment, the doctor prescribes additional examinations: these can be ultrasound, computed and magnetic resonance imaging, biopsy. It is also necessary to remember and take into account that the blood counts of the same person are different, depending on the period of time. Dynamics and control are important here, and a general blood test for oncology will become the most common, frequent and mandatory routine, without which treatment is impossible.
Due to the fact thata specific tumor, depending on the affected area, releases its specific antigens, the increase in the increase in these antigens allows you to determine how fast the process of development of oncopathology is and to put a possible prognosis for the patient. Accidental detection of tumor markers in the apparent he alth of the patient and the absence of clinical symptoms of the disease can significantly increase the chances of recovery, and in the case of a non-aggressive form of cancer, guarantee a complete cure.
Specific cancer markers and tumor localization. Uterine and ovarian cancer
CA 125 is a tumor marker that is determined in endometrial cancer of the uterus or ovaries. The level of this oncogene is significantly increased in women with cancer. Clarification of the diagnosis is carried out with the help of ultrasound and vaginal examination, as well as taking a biopsy.
Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract
CA 72-4, CA 19-9 - the identification of these tumor markers signals ongoing malignant processes in the gastrointestinal tract. An accurate diagnosis is made after CT, MRI, biopsy, FGDS, colonoscopy.
Breast cancer
CA 15-3 - this tumor marker is detected in women with breast cancer.
Prostate Cancer
PSA - an excess of the enzyme above the norm, i.e. 30 units in a blood test may indicate oncology. In this case, it is recommended to observe the dynamics of the blood results. Indicators below the norm also require additional diagnostics. The norms of a blood test for prostate cancer are different depending on the age of the man. This is very importanttake account of. Blood tests for oncology in a patient from 40-49 years old should be within 2.5 ng / ml, any deviations are a serious cause for concern.
Lung Cancer
Tumor markers CEA, NSE and CYFRA 21-1 may signal the presence of malignancy in the lungs.
Liver cancer: symptoms, blood test
In the early stages, liver cancer manifests itself as nausea and vomiting, discomfort in the right hypochondrium, lack of appetite and progressive weight loss, constipation and diarrhea, constant weakness and malaise, hyperthermia and chills. Gradually, jaundice, bleeding and anemia appear, fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, signs of intoxication of the body appear on the face.
Detection in the blood of CEA - a cancer-embryonic antigen, may indicate the presence of cancer cells in the liver. However, it should be borne in mind that an increase in this indicator is also observed among smokers and streets that abuse alcohol. Therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, an MRI is necessary.
An increase in AFP - embryonic glycoprotein also indicates the development of liver pathology. New tumor markers are being developed to make it easier and faster to diagnose cancer.
It is very important to listen to your body, scrupulously, but without fanaticism, monitor your he alth and respond to any of its failures and malfunctions. Ideally, annual preventive examinations should be systematic and become the norm. And a general blood test to detectoncology is the most accessible and, at the same time, informative type of research. Only by looking at the blood results, an experienced specialist can immediately tell if there are any deviations and anomalies in human he alth, and whether additional examinations are needed if the body is not all right.
