Biochemistry in Neoplasia Flashcards
What is a tumour marker in prostate cancer?
PSA.
If PSA is elevated what is the next step?
Referral to histology for a biopsy.
What is AFP used to monitor?
Germ cell tumours and HCC.
What enzyme goes up in pregnancy and why?
ALP as it is found in the placenta.
What test could you do to tell if ALP was coming from liver or bone?
GGT (if high likely liver mets).
What scan could you do to look for bone mets?
Isotope bone scan.
What are good ways of diagnosing ascites?
Serum albumin and ascitic fluid albumin.
What type of pleural effusion does malignancy cause?
Exudate.
When does hypercalcaemia quite often occur and what are the symptoms?
In malignancy. Stones, bones, groans (abdominal pain), thrones (polyuria), psychiatric overtones (depression).
How do you treat hypercalcaemia?
IV fluid and bisphosphonate (stops bone being resorbed).
What do some tumours release resulting in hypercalcaemia?
PTHrP.
When would you suspect that hypercalcaemia is caused by PTHrP?
When PTH production is suppressed.
Why are few tumour markers used for screening?
Their sensitivity is too low.
What can cause cushings syndrome related to malignancy?
Ectopic production of ACTH.
