Tumor markers can be detected in which specimens?

Tumor markers can be detected in which specimens?

• A. Blood, spinal fluid, or urine.
• B. Saliva only
• C. Sweat
• D. Lymph fluid only

Answer: (A)

Tumor markers are substances associated with cancer that can be detected in body fluids. In clinical practice they’re typically measured in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (spinal fluid), or urine because these fluids reliably carry many markers and are easy to obtain for testing. Blood testing is the most common since many markers circulate there. Cerebrospinal fluid is used when CNS involvement is suspected, as some markers can be detected there. Urine can reveal certain markers that are excreted by the kidneys. Saliva testing is not standard for most tumor markers, and sweat or lymph fluid are not routinely used sources for these tests.

Tumor markers are substances associated with cancer that can be detected in body fluids. In clinical practice they’re typically measured in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (spinal fluid), or urine because these fluids reliably carry many markers and are easy to obtain for testing. Blood testing is the most common since many markers circulate there. Cerebrospinal fluid is used when CNS involvement is suspected, as some markers can be detected there. Urine can reveal certain markers that are excreted by the kidneys.

Saliva testing is not standard for most tumor markers, and sweat or lymph fluid are not routinely used sources for these tests.