Cancer blood tests

CANCER BLOOD TEST DEFINITION

Cancer blood tests and other lab examinations can be used to determine whether or not a patient is suffering or susceptible to different forms of cancer. They can come in the form of CBC (complete blood count) tests, urine cytology, blood protein testing, and tumor marker tests, among many other tests like the CA 125 test and the C-reactive protein test.

CANCER BLOOD TEST PURPOSE

When the levels of certain substances, proteins, and whatnot rise, they may indicate the presence (or recurrence) of a certain type of cancer, among other conditions associated with the increasing levels. These tests shouldn't be used exclusively as an end-all, be-all cancer screening exam, because false-positives and other causes to a positive outcome can skew results.

CANCER BLOOD TEST RISKS

As with any blood test, the risks include the rare scenario of suffering from infection, hemorrhaging, and fainting or lightheadedness. A host of causes... from taking drugs against doctor's orders to having a blood condition... can make these risks likelier than they should be.

CANCER BLOOD TEST PREPARATION REQUIRED

You don't need to prepare much in order to take even a battery of cancer tests. Just tell your doctor your medical history and drug history, follow his orders to stop taking certain medications, and you should be fine.

CANCER BLOOD TEST PROCEDURE

Regardless if it's a CBC test or a C-reactive protein test, your blood test for cancer will all start with drawing blood from a vein on your arm or some other part of your body by your doctor or his assistants. This blood sample is then sent to the lab for further study and evaluation.

CANCER BLOOD TEST COMPLICATIONS

Typical blood-drawing complications are infection (which is something you risk every time your skin is broken anyway), fainting or lightheadedness, hemorrhaging or excessive bleeding, and hematoma or the accumulation of blood underneath your skin.

CANCER BLOOD TEST SIDE EFFECTS

Pain in the penetration site is par for the course. Barring the risks and complications mentioned above, short-term pain and slight bleeding is the likeliest side effect you'll get out of having your blood drawn. If bleeding and soreness persists, contact your healthcare provider post-haste.

CANCER BLOOD TEST RESULTS

Test results from these blood tests should be examined with care, because multiple factors can skew the results or even create false-positives. Certain drugs and conditions unrelated to cancer can also affect the outcome and produce abnormal results. Only after several tests have been conducted can the doctor diagnose whether or not you have cancer.