Pancreatic Marker Profile Test
Sample Type
Recommended for
Report
Pancreas (gland behind the stomach) are responsible for secretion of digestive enzymes that aid in the metabolism of sugars. Pancreatic cancer causes the cells in the pancreas to multiply out of control and form a mass. The diagnosis or initial screening is done by certain cancer marker tests. Cancer markers or tumour markers are proteins produced by the normal cells as well as cancer cells, but are produced in higher levels by the cancer cells. Pancreatic marker Profile consists of tests to measure the levels of tumour markers in the blood, urine, and other body fluids. This profile test is used along with other tests may be helpful in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and decide the treatment prognosis.
Price : ₹ 3,870
The Pancreatic Marker Profile- measures the CEA, CA19.9, Gastrin, Insulin levels in the blood.
- The test is useful along with other specialized tests for the initial screening of pancreatic cancer. The test should however not be used in isolation for pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
- For monitoring treatment and relapse in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
- The test may be used as a prognostic marker for survival following pancreatic or gall bladder surgery.
- To know the stage of cancer as well as the metastasis status
- The test can help detect recurrence, metastasis and residual cancer
The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer being unspecific, often goes undiagnosed leading to delayed prognosis. Some clinical signs that may require further testing may include:
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
- Loss of appetite with unintended weight loss.
- Dark coloured urine
- Light coloured stools
The other group of patients who may also require testing include:
- Patients already undergoing treatment for cancer.
- Patients who have completed the treatment to know the disease status.
- Familial history of cancers.
- Presence of high risk factors for pancreatic cancer like chronic alcoholic, obesity, smoker, high uncontrolled diabetic etc.
This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.
