Tumor Marker Tests
Reviewed
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Tumor marker tests measure substances made by cancer cells or normal cells in response to cancer. They are most often used after a cancer diagnosis to help stage cancer, predict growth, select treatment, monitor therapy, or detect recurrence. Some tests have a limited role in screening people at high risk, but they cannot diagnose cancer—a biopsy is usually needed. Results must be interpreted by your healthcare professional along with other information.
Specimen: Blood, urine, or tissue (biopsy)
Why this test may be ordered
- To help stage cancer (determine if it has spread)
- To predict how fast cancer may grow and chance of recovery
- To select the right treatment for your type of cancer
- To monitor how well treatment is working
- To find any cancer that remains or comes back after treatment
Preparation and collection
For a blood or urine test: no special preparations. For a biopsy: you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the procedure. Follow your provider's instructions.
Blood sample from a vein in your arm; urine sample using the 'clean catch' method; or tissue sample removed during a biopsy (needle, surgery, or endoscopy).
Blood test: very little risk; slight pain or bruising at the needle site that goes away quickly. Urine test: no known risks. Biopsy: little bruising or bleeding at the site; slight discomfort for a day or two.
Understanding results
Your results will vary depending on the tumor marker tested. Your provider will review your results along with other information about your condition. Discuss what your results mean for your diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
- Tumor marker level lower than the threshold used by your provider: May indicate that cancer treatment is working, or that cancer has not returned after treatment. However, some people with cancer do not have elevated tumor markers. Limitation: A low level does not guarantee absence of cancer. Some cancers do not produce the measured marker. Next step: Routine
- Tumor marker level higher than the threshold used by your provider: May indicate that cancer is present, has spread, or has returned. However, non-cancer conditions can also cause high levels. Limitation: This test cannot tell whether the marker comes from cancer or another condition. A biopsy is usually needed to confirm or rule out cancer. Next step: Prompt
- Not all cancers have known tumor markers.
- Some non-cancer conditions can cause high levels of certain tumor markers.
- Some people with cancer do not have elevated levels of the commonly tested markers.
- Tumor marker tests cannot diagnose cancer; a biopsy is usually needed.
What to do next
Your provider will discuss your results and recommend any follow-up tests or procedures, such as imaging or biopsy, based on your specific situation.
- What tumor marker was tested and why?
- How do my results compare to the reference range used by my provider?
- What other tests or procedures might I need based on these results?
- What are the next steps in my treatment or monitoring plan?