Blood test for the presence of cancer cells in the body: name, how to take it

Today, medicine increasingly encounters oncological diseases. Despite the widespread prevalence of cancerous tumors, the mechanism of their formation and spread remains unexplored. The spread of oncological diseases occurs at an incredible speed. Most often, these diseases affect people of retirement age. But if earlier this disease was considered mainly a disease of the older generation, today there is a tendency for the disease to become younger. Young people, teenagers and even small children are susceptible to this disease. The danger is that cancerous tumors can affect absolutely any organ. They grow, and at a certain point the cell breaks off, gets into another tissue, and attaches. As a result, a new tumor (metastasis) is formed. The development of tumors and the formation of metastases can be prevented if the tumor is detected in a timely manner and the necessary measures are taken. Analysis of cancer cells plays a leading role in the early diagnosis of malignant tumors.

Tests make it possible to detect a tumor, diagnose it, and most importantly, respond in a timely manner. At early stages, development can still be prevented. But most often, tumors are detected at late stages, when it is often impossible to help the patient. The difficulty of diagnosis is that at early stages, the tumor develops almost asymptomatically, and it can only be detected during a preventive examination or during laboratory tests.

What tests are there for cancer cells?

When conducting a cancer examination, a general objective examination is carried out using various instrumental methods, and laboratory tests are also used. First, the patient is prescribed standard clinical tests. From them, you can get a general idea of the processes that occur in the body. Malignant neoplasms can be indirectly indicated by an increased number of leukocytes, as well as an increase in ESR. However, this information is not enough, since with any disease, infectious or inflammatory process, these indicators also increase. Cancer can also be indicated by a sharp decrease in hemoglobin, especially if you compare the indicators in dynamics. If such signs are detected, a special study is prescribed aimed at detecting cancer cells.

An extended blood test is performed, during which specific oncology markers are determined. These markers are formed immediately, even at the stage of tumor formation. Therefore, they make it possible to identify transformed cells and cancer tumors at the initial stages of their formation.

The principle of the diagnostic method is that special test systems detect tumor markers in the blood that are produced by cancerous tumors. The more severe the stage of the disease, the higher their concentration in the blood. The body of a healthy person does not produce tumor markers. Thus, their presence is a direct confirmation of a cancerous tumor. Based on the results, one can judge the size of the tumor, its type and localization.

Indications for the procedure for cancer cell testing

Cancer cell testing is performed when cancer is suspected, as well as for preventive purposes for early diagnosis of cancerous tumors. People over 50 years of age, as well as those who fall into the risk group for developing cancerous tumors, should also take the test periodically. The test is performed when a tumor is detected, the nature of which is unclear. It makes it possible to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. The test is also performed to track the results in dynamics in cancer patients, to check the effectiveness of the treatment.

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Preparation

The analysis for tumor markers does not require any special preparation. The only thing you need is to get a referral from your doctor. Then, for 2-3 days before the analysis, stick to a light diet (do not drink alcohol, spicy, fatty, smoked foods, spices). The analysis should be done on an empty stomach. The last meal should be 8 hours before the test. You cannot drink in the morning, nor smoke. Do not overload the body for several days, and avoid physical labor.

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Technique for cancer cell testing

There are many techniques. It all depends on the type of research. If a blood test is performed to determine tumor markers, it is performed using enzyme immunoassay methods. This method is based on the agglutination reaction, during which the tumor marker acts as a foreign agent for the body (antigen). The immune system immediately reacts to it, producing an antibody. The action of antibodies is aimed at the destruction of the foreign organism and its subsequent removal. The antibody finds the antigen, which is a marker of a cancer tumor, attacks it and stimulates destruction. During this fight, the antigen and antibody merge with each other, an agglutination reaction occurs. These complexes are detected during the analysis when antibodies are introduced into the blood.

To do this, the patient's blood is taken in the required amount. To prevent clotting, a few drops of heparin are added. Then the blood is delivered to the laboratory. There, the blood is divided into fractions. The blood serum is isolated separately, since tumor markers are found in the serum. Centrifugation is used for this. Using a special device - a centrifuge, the blood in a test tube is rotated at a high speed. As a result, all the formed elements of the blood settle to the bottom, the test tube contains only serum. Further manipulations are carried out with it.

A special analysis kit (ELISA) is taken, a certain amount of blood serum is added to the bottom of the cell. A special antibody to the cancerous tumor is added. They wait for several hours. If a complexation reaction occurs, during which antibodies and antigens merge, then there is an antigen in the blood, which acts as an oncomarker indicating the presence of a cancerous tumor. The formation of antigen-antibody complexes can be seen with the naked eye, since turbidity and sediment in the form of flakes appear in the test tube. The degree of turbidity can be used to judge the number of oncomarkers. But for the accuracy of the results, special measurements are taken. An international turbidity standard or a spectrophotometer is used, which, based on the angle of refraction of light passing through the solution, determines its concentration and gives a ready result.

There is another method – immunomagnetic differentiation of blood fractions. For this, a special device is used that makes it possible to detect cancer cells by determining tumor markers that attach to the altered cell and become visible in a magnetic field. The accuracy of this method is quite high – even out of a million healthy cells, one cancerous cell can be detected.

Also, with the help of such analyses, it is possible to establish the exact number of cancer cells, the speed of their spread and predict the dynamics of growth. Also, the advantage of these analyses is that they make it possible to monitor the course of treatment, determine the effectiveness of therapy, and also select drugs and their optimal dosage with high accuracy. The accuracy of dosing during treatment plays a leading role, since it allows you to effectively combat complications, reduce the number of cancer cells, and prevent the development of metastases. In addition, such a correct dosage reduces the toxic effect of drugs on the body.

There is also a method of studying a biopsy, in which a piece of tissue is taken for examination. Then a cytological and histological examination is carried out. Cytological analysis involves preparing a micropreparation from the obtained tissue sample for further study of its properties under a microscope. The main morphological and anatomical properties are studied. A micropreparation from a healthy tissue sample differs sharply from that of a cancerous tumor. There are certain differences in the structure, appearance and intracellular processes taking place. Special inclusions may also indicate a cancerous tumor.

During histological examination, tissue is seeded on special nutrient media intended for growing tissue culture. The seeding is cultivated under special conditions for 7 days, after which the nature of tumor growth, speed and direction are monitored. This has important diagnostic significance.

Blood test for cancer tumors

The fastest way to determine an oncological disease is to conduct a blood test. Such a study is conducted within 1-2 days, and if necessary, urgent results can be obtained in 3-4 hours. This is an express method, which still requires additional clarifying studies. However, this is quite enough to obtain a preliminary diagnosis and accurately identify the tumor. The analysis makes it possible to determine even the exact location of the tumor and the stage of the oncological process.

The patient's blood serves as the test material. The analysis is performed in the morning, on an empty stomach. It is mainly used to confirm or refute the diagnosis, and makes it possible to differentiate a benign tumor from a malignant one. It is also used to track the indicators dynamically in order to determine the effectiveness of treatment, monitor the tumor condition, and prevent relapses.

The principle of the method is to determine the main antigens that are produced by cancer cells during tumor development. If they are detected, it is possible to say for sure that a person has cancer. However, if such tumor markers are not detected, a negative result is not given. In this case, additional studies are prescribed.

The tumor localization can be determined by the type of tumor marker. If the CA19-9 antigen is detected in the patient's blood, it may indicate pancreatic cancer. The CEA marker indicates the tumor localization in the intestines, liver, kidneys, lungs, and other internal organs. If CA-125 is detected, it indicates an oncological process in the ovaries or appendages. The PSA and CA-15-3 markers indicate prostate cancer and breast cancer, respectively. CA72-3 indicates stomach cancer and lung cancer, B-2-MG indicates leukemia, leukemia, myeloma. ACE appears in liver cancer and metastases. A blood test is not the only factor confirming the method. It should be used in combination with many other factors.

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Cervical cancer cell test

Cervical cancer cells can be identified using a blood test that is aimed at identifying an oncomarker. As a rule, in such cases, CEA, or carcinoembryonic antigen, is detected. A smear from the vagina and cervix is also taken for testing. First, a preliminary cytological study is carried out. During the cytological analysis, transformed cells and specific inclusions can be detected that indicate oncological processes.

After this, a biopsy is performed if necessary, during which a piece of tissue is taken for examination. It is seeded on nutrient media, incubated, after which the main morphological and biochemical properties are studied. Based on the data obtained, a conclusion is made about the nature of the tumor, the degree of its development, and the concentration of cancer cells.

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Carcinoembryonic antigen test

It is an antigen used to diagnose and treat cancer of the stomach, intestines, rectum, female reproductive organs and mammary glands. In adults, it is produced in small quantities by the bronchi and lungs, and is found in many biological fluids and secretions. Its quantity, which increases sharply in oncology, is an indicator. It should be taken into account that its quantity can also be increased in people suffering from autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis, benign tumors and even smokers. Therefore, the detection of a high concentration of these markers (20 ng/ml and above) is only an indirect confirmation of cancer and it is necessary to conduct a number of additional studies. This indicator should also be monitored dynamically in order to be able to draw full conclusions. Venous blood serves as the research material. The antigen is detected in the blood serum.

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Cancer cell mutation analysis

The epidermal growth factor receptor is a transmembrane receptor that interacts with extracellular ligands of epidermal growth factors. It is involved in the formation of cancerous tumors of many organs, in particular, it is a reliable sign of lung cancer. The fact is that normally the main genes are aimed at ensuring control over the growth and reproduction of body cells. Cells grow, reproduce to a certain limit, after which the gene gives a signal to stop further reproduction, and the cells stop dividing.

The gene also controls the process of apoptosis – the timely death of old, obsolete cells. When there are mutations in genes, they stop controlling reproduction (proliferation) and death (apoptosis), and give a signal for continuous growth, as a result of which the cells grow without limit and constantly, uncontrollably divide. This leads to the formation of a cancerous tumor, which is characterized by the ability to grow without limit. In its most primitive form, cancer can be imagined as uncontrolled division and immortality of a cell. The process is also considered as the inability of a cell to die in a timely manner.

Chemotherapy and various antitumor drugs are aimed specifically at the destruction and inactivation of this gene. If its activity can be inhibited, then the development of cancer can be stopped. But over many years of treatment with such targeted drugs, the gene, like any organism, has adapted and become resistant to a number of drugs.

After that, the drugs were improved, their formula changed, they became active again in relation to this gene. But the gene itself is also improved: it also mutated repeatedly, each time developing resistance to drugs. Over the years, many types of mutations of this gene have accumulated, over 25. This entails the ineffectiveness of specific therapy. In order not to waste time on futile treatment that will not be effective, an analysis is carried out to determine the mutation of this gene.

For example, detection of mutations in the KRAS gene indicates that treatment of lung and colon cancer with tyrosine kinase inhibitors will be ineffective. If mutations are detected in the ALK and ROS1 genes, this indicates that crizotinib should be prescribed, which quickly and effectively inhibits this gene and prevents further tumor development. The BRAF gene leads to the formation of melanoma tumors.

Today, there are drugs that can block the activity of this gene and change its setting to unlimited growth. This leads to the tumor slowing down its growth or stopping its growth. In combination with antitumor drugs, significant results in treatment can be achieved, up to and including a reduction in the size of the tumor.

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Stool analysis for cancer cells

Usually, the essence of the analysis is to detect hidden blood in the stool. This sign may indicate the presence of an oncological process in the colon or rectum. People over 45-50 years old, who are most at risk of developing cancerous tumors, need to take this test annually. This may indicate other pathologies, but then additional studies are needed for differential diagnostics. This is an early diagnostic method that makes it possible to detect a tumor at the stage of its origin and take measures for treatment. Often, this method can even detect a precancerous condition.

Biopsy for cancer cells

This is a study that gives the most accurate and reliable results. It consists of two stages. At the first stage, biological material is collected for further examination. The material is a piece of tissue taken directly from the organ in which the tumor is localized. In fact, using special equipment and instruments, the doctor cuts off a piece of the tumor and sends it to the laboratory for further examination. The collection is usually performed using local anesthesia.

At the second stage, the biological material undergoes further cytological and histological examination. During the cytological examination, a micropreparation is prepared and examined under a microscope. Based on the overall picture, appearance, and nature of inclusions, a preliminary conclusion can be made about whether the tumor is benign or malignant. This stage does not exceed 30 minutes.

After this, the tissue is soaked and seeded in a special nutrient medium that contains all the conditions for cell growth. The culture is placed in optimal conditions, in an incubator, and kept for a month. The study is quite long and is determined by the rate of cell growth. If it is a cancerous tumor, it will begin to grow actively. A benign, non-cancerous tumor does not grow. To accelerate growth, growth factors can be added that further stimulate tumor growth. In this case, the results can be obtained within 7-10 days.

The grown tumor is subjected to further biochemical, microscopic studies and ultimately the result is given in the form of a final diagnosis, which determines the type of tumor, its stage, prevalence and direction of tumor growth. This is usually the final version, which determines the result with 100% accuracy.

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Normal performance

If an analysis is carried out to determine tumor markers, it is quite easy to decipher the analysis. In the presence of an oncological disease, tumor markers are found in the body. In a healthy body, there are no tumor markers, since they are produced only by cancer cells. The exception is the cancer embryonic antigen, which is normally present in the body in minimal quantities. A slight increase in concentration may indicate various somatic pathologies, and only a sharp increase, over 20 ng / ml, indicates the presence of a cancerous tumor. In addition, by which antigen is detected, one can judge the localization of the tumor. Each organ produces its own type of markers.

Deciphering the results of a biopsy is even easier. If cell growth is observed on the nutrient medium, the tumor is malignant; if there is no growth, it is benign.

Cancer cell test norm

There are no unambiguous indicators for all types of cancer. Each specific tumor marker has its own normal values. In addition, they vary significantly depending on the age and physiological characteristics of the person.

In general, the following indicators can be presented:

• 0-1ng/ml – normal;
• 1-20 – benign tumor, precancerous condition, somatic pathologies;
• 20-30 – cancerous tumor;
• Over 30 – metastases.

It is important to remember that any tumor, even a benign one, can develop into a malignant one. The absence of tumor markers does not always indicate the absence of cancer. This is a reason for additional research.

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The device for analysis

To conduct the analysis, a comprehensive technological laboratory equipment is required. To detect tumor markers, special kits for enzyme immunoassay, laboratory glassware, dispensers, micropipettes, a centrifuge, an incubator, a cultivator, a spectrophotometer or mass spectrometer for measuring optical density, and an immunomagnetic separator are needed.

For cytological, microscopic, histological examination a microscope with high resolution is required. For histology a steam bath, autoclave, dry-heat cabinet, thermostat, incubator, desiccator, fume hood are required.

How long does it take to test for cancer cells?

Detection of tumor markers is an express method that allows you to get preliminary results and confirm or refute the diagnosis. It is done quite quickly - 1-2 days, if necessary, it can be accelerated to 3-4 hours.

The most reliable and accurate analysis of cancer cells is a biopsy, which allows for a definitive diagnosis. Such analysis is done from 14 to 28 days (depending on the growth rate of the cell culture). If necessary, it can be accelerated to 7-10 days by creating special incubation conditions, adding growth factors.