Currently, we developed a variety of methods of laboratory diagnostics, which allow for up to date a full examination of the patient to make a diagnosis. One such method is a blood test for tumor markers. Due to this type of research can be identified in the early stages of malignant nature. Note that the change in the level of tumor markers is observed in diseases like cancer and benign nature.

Tumor sends a signal

Diagnosis of tumor processes based on detection of serum proteins specific nature, are produced in excessive amounts by the tumor cells. The blood of a healthy person, these proteins can be determined in small quantities. If they are detected in large quantities, it can be assumed, which body sends a signal to trouble.

We describe tumor markers that have different localization. We describe the tumor markers of the following diseases:

• disease of the pancreas
• Prostate disease
• St. Agatha's disease
• thyroid disease The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones
• bowel disease

This is not a complete list of specific antigens, and the most widespread diagnosis of twenty major tumor markers. In practice, use diagnostics, which is based on the definition in the serum of not one but multiple markers. This increases the effectiveness of the diagnostic measures, allows to identify the disease in the early stages.

Laboratory diagnosis of tumors

Testing for tumor markers should be carried out under certain rules. A blood test is necessary to take on an empty stomach in the morning. The night before the blood sampling is recommended that the dinner was plentiful. To analyze the venous blood is extracted.

If you have not had an in-depth clinical and laboratory examination of the patient, it can be assumed localization of the pathological process based on the results of blood tests for tumor markers. This greatly facilitates the comprehensive survey, as it enables fast, much cheaper to install a preliminary diagnosis.

I recommend testing for tumor markers should be an expert, but it is possible that a person examined on their own by way of routine inspection. In any case it is necessary to interpret the survey results obtained by the doctor. You can get a consultation with a doctor-consultant laboratory where surveyed. Benign nature of the disease, the inflammatory processes are also responsible for raising the level of tumor markers in the blood, so it is not recommended to make any findings or conclusions without first consulting a specialist.

What is the accuracy of the survey for tumor markers

Tumor markers are an important part in conducting a comprehensive survey in oncology practice.

Tumour have a protein structure (protein compound is a lipid, a carbohydrate component). The presence of benign disease affects the production of tumor markers of processes by the nature of the protein macromolecules, so you can not reliably talk about malignant tumor marker levels increase.

The sensitivity of malignant diseases is high enough. In some cases, an increase in the level of tumor marker for several months before the first clinical signs of the disease. For example, liver cancer Liver cancer: prognosis is poor, but there is hope   this is a sensitive indicator of tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein. This tumor marker is increased in various tumors, so it is included in a comprehensive survey as an additional marker for suspected diseases of the ovaries, testicles or other sites (gall bladder, digestive tract).

Was an increase of some tumor markers in individuals who are smokers. These indicators include carcinoembryonic antigen. It is noted an increase in various diseases of the intestine (primarily concerned departments of the large intestine), as well as breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung. In this regard, the tumor marker is considered to be non-specific, because it does not reflect the level of a particular cancer. It is impossible to draw any conclusions based on the results of research of level carcinoembryonic antigen. The change in its level indicates the need for an in-depth study.

Often one can observe increase in tumor marker for various autoimmune diseases. After recuperating in the remission of the disease is observed normalization of the figure. This feature is also observed in lung diseases chronic nature. In this connection, it is required to exclude the presence of this kind of diseases the patient has to be able to correctly interpret the results of a study on the tumor markers.

Almost 100% sensitivity has a tumor marker hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This indicator of the presence of diseases or testicular malignant placenta. If it is a course of chemotherapy Chemotherapy - it always falls the hair? , The level of hCG to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. Carrying out of control or monitoring is required in the presence of carcinoma or chorionepithelioma Carcinoma - how to prevent disaster?   eggs, because it helps to identify the presence of disease recurrence, long before the onset of clinical symptoms of cancer process.

Marina Solovyov

Pituitary macroadenomas - so called adenomas, diameter greater than 10 mm. In adult patients, they found about two times more likely than microadenomas.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of pituitary macroadenomas associated with its pressure on adjacent structures (especially in the optic chiasm). Some macroadenoma also lead to hormonal imbalances, with corresponding symptoms. However adenoma affecting the secretion of various hormones generally diagnosed quite rapidly (since their early symptoms) until their diameter is less than 10 mm. In addition, most macroadenomas are non-functional, that is - does not produce hormones.

In rare cases macroadenoma pituitary gland leads to pituitary apoplexy - a dangerous condition whose symptoms include sudden headache Headache: Causes and Complications , Blurred vision, and sometimes changes in the level of consciousness - fainting, delirium, and so on. When these symptoms should immediately seek medical care.

Compression optic chiasma

About 80% of people optic chiasm is located just above the pituitary gland. The rest of it can be located farther from the wall of the skull than the pituitary gland, or a little closer to her - in both cases it is slightly offset relative to the pituitary gland. Thus, most people macroadenoma located in the upper part of the pituitary gland will compress the central part of the crossing of the optic nerves. As a result, it may appear different vision problems.

For example, some patients experience problems with peripheral vision; they more often than usual stumble upon various objects begin worse than before, to navigate in space, but do not always understand that this vision is to blame - many simply believe that for some steel insufficiently attentive. Usually people go to the doctor only when compression of the optic chiasma leads to a decrease in visual acuity.

Germination of adenomas in the cavernous sinuses

Most often, there is sprouting into the cavernous sinuses pituitary macroadenomas that secrete prolactin. Typically, levels of prolactin Prolactin - effect on the body is not fully known   significantly increased after the tumor invades into the cavernous sinuses. Moreover, in this case sprouting adenoma would be very difficult to remove completely.

Treatment

The most effective way to treat pituitary macroadenomas, and the only way to completely get rid of them - it's surgery. Typically, surgery is performed through the nasal cavity - this technology contributes to the rapid recovery of the patient, and rarely causes serious complications.

Radiosurgery achieves substantially the same results as conventional surgical techniques, but recovery of normal hormone levels after such procedure may take several years (after the normal operation is going on for a few days or weeks).

Drug treatment is given in cases where macroadenoma influences the level of certain hormones in the body.