Test News

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

RBCs, WBCs, platelets

Leukemia, lymphoma, bone-marrow problems

Often, first test if cancer is suspected

Tumor Markers

Proteins/chemicals made by cancer cells (e.g., PSA, CA-125, CEA)

Possible presence of specific cancers

Not enough alone for diagnosis

Blood Protein Tests

Abnormal immune system proteins

Multiple myeloma or related disorders

Uses protein electrophoresis

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs)

Whole cancer cells in the bloodstream

Cancer spread, treatment monitoring

More common in research settings

Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) / Liquid Biopsy

DNA fragments shed by tumors

Gene mutations, treatment response, and recurrence

Growing role in precision medicine