What are tumour markers?

Abstract:

Authors:

Carter PG. Hollingworth AA.

Institution:

Department Obstetrics Gynaecology, Whipp's Cross Hospital,London E11 1NR; United Kingdom.

Title:

Tumour markers and their role in the monitoring and prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (1996-1671).

Source:

Contemporary Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Vol 8(2) (pp8-104), 1996.

Abstract:

Epithelial ovarian cancer continues to pose a challenge to oncologists as a result of the difficulty in clinical detection of small amounts of disease at both initial presentation and follow-up. It has long been hoped that tumour markers would improve preclinical detection of disease after initial treatment. Scores of new markers have been evaluated in recent years but with regard to the monitoring and prognosis of ovarian cancer none, to date, has effectively surpassed CA125. Combinations or panels of markers may in some cases improve upon the measurement of CA125 alone. With regard to prognostic information, absolute levels or trends in levels with time may allow identification of patients with a poor prognosis who may benefit from closer review during and after treatment. As with most markers, the greatest limitation of CA125 is the lack of specificity for a particular tumour cell line or, indeed, a cell that is malignant. With these limitations in mind, continuing efforts need to be directed towards understanding the molecular biology of the disease in those at risk.

Please click on the required question.

• 1 What is cancer (malignancy)
• 2 What is meant by cancer staging?
• 3 How prevalent is cancer?
• 4 How prevalent are womens' cancers?
• 5 What causes cancer?
• 6 Is cancer a hereditary condition?
• 7 How can gynaecological cancer present?
• 8 How can we reduce the risks of the womens' cancers?

   

  Reducing the Risks of Womens' Cancers.

• 9 What are screening tests?
• 10 What are the reactions to a diagnosis of cancer?
• 11 Is there a place for counselling when cancer is diagnosed?
• 12 Can personality alter the prognosis?
• 13 Is the incidence of deaths from the female cancers changing?
• 14 Is there a place for a holistic approach to cancer?

   

  Cancer of the Cervix.

• 15 How prevalent is cervical cancer?
• 16 What causes cervical cancer?
• 17 How long an interval should there be between cervical screening (smear) (PAP) tests?
• 18 Is there any evidence that cervical screening can reduce the incidence of cervical cancer?
• 19 Will pre-malignant changes of the cervix invariably lead to cancer?

   

  Endometrial Cancer (Uterus)

• 20 What causes endometrial cancer?
• 21 Are there screening tests for endometrial cancer?
• 22 How does endometrial cancer present?
• 22a How can endometrial cancer be prevented?
• 22b How can endometrial cancer be treated?

  Cancer of the Ovary.

• 23 How does ovarian cancer present?
• 24 How prevalent is ovarian cancer?
• 25 What are tumour markers?
• 26 Can we screen for ovarian cancer?
• 27 What is the relationship between infertility and ovarian cancer?
• 28 Can treatment of infertility increase the risk of ovarian cancer?
• 29 What is the relationship between oral contraception and cancer?
• 30 Can ovarian cancer be prevented?
• 31 I use talcum power. Could this increase my risk of developing ovarian cancer?

   

  The Treatment Of Womens' Cancers

• 32 Can we predict the course of a cancer?
• 33 What treatment options are available for gynaecological cancer?
• Q32.33c What treatment options are available for ovarian cancer?

  Cancer of the Vulva, Vagina and Fallopian Tube

• 34 How prevalent are malignant conditions of the vulva, vagina and Fallopian tubes?

  Breast Cancer

• 35 What is the incidence of breast cancer?
• 35 ?What is the cause of breast cancer?
• 35a What are the advantages of breast cancer screening - mammography - mammograms?
• 36 How often should breast screening be carried out?
• 37 Are there any problems having a mammogram?
• 38 Should I check myself for breast lumps?
• 39 One of my family developed cancer of the breast. Am I at increased risk?
• 40 We have a family tendency towards developing breast / ovarian cancer. Are there any genetic tests to find out if I am at increased risk?
• 41 What happens if a mammogram shows an abnormality?
• 42 What are the advantages and disadvantages of tamoxifen in the management of breast cancer?
• 42a Breast Cancer Treatment - What is available?
• 43 What is the relationship between breast cancer and the pill?

  Web sites and Support Groups

• 44 Are there any support groups?
• 44 Are there any support groups?
• 45 Support Groups.
• 46 Breast Cancer Support Groups
• 47 Ovarian Cancer Support Groups
• 48 Endometrial Cancer Support Groups
• 49 Cervical Cancer Support Groups
  
  
  

  
  
  

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