Tumor Markers

Question 1

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP)

Answer 1

0-44 ng/mL

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP): plasma protein made by the yolk sac and fetal liver of a developing baby. Values normally high when baby is born, but fall very low by the age of 1 yr. Healthy adults should have very low levels. An AFP tumor marker test is a blood test that measures levels of AFP in adults.

Question 2

Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG):

Answer 2

<5 IU/L (HCG)

Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG): hormone produced by the placenta after implementation. Some cancerous tumors produce this hormone.

Question 3

CA 19.9

Answer 3

<40 U/mL

CA 19.9 - blood test for pancreatic cancer (cancer antigen 19-9). Also used to help detect bile duct cancer, colon cancer, and stomach cancer.

Question 4

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA):

Answer 4

<4 ug/L (CEA)

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA): glycoproteins involved in cell adhesion. Normally produced in the GI tissue during fetal development but production stops before birth. Also present in very low levels in adults, however cancer may raise the levels - could be used as a tumor marker. Elevated in heavy smokers.

Question 5

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP):

Answer 5

0-3 U/dL (PAP)

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP): an enzyme produced by prostate. May be found in increased amounts in men with prostate cancer or other diseases. Very high levels may be found in men with metastatic prostate cancer.

Question 6

Prostate specific antigen (PSA):

Answer 6

<4 ug/L (PSA) microgram per liter

Prostate specific antigen (PSA): protein produced by normal, as well as malignant, cells of the prostate gland.