Lung cancer markers
Cancer markers (also called tumor markers) are substances produced by the body in response to cancer, or by the tumor itself. In some patients with cancer these substances can be measured, usually in the blood or urine. Different cancers produce different markers.
Markers are not a sure sign that cancer is present. But they can be helpful to doctors in diagnosing some types of cancer, or in tracking a patient’s response to treatment. In some cases they can also be used to see whether a cancer has come back after treatment.
In non-small cell lung cancer, doctors will sometimes measure levels of a marker called CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen). Other markers can also be used, but this is less common. In general, markers do not play a major part in diagnosing or treating lung cancer. This is partly because an ideal marker has not been found, and partly because lung cancer is easy to see on X-rays or scans.
