Lab Reference Guide
A plain-language guide to the most common cancer-related lab markers — what they measure, normal ranges, and what elevated values may indicate.
Used to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence. Elevated levels may suggest disease progression, but can also rise with smoking or inflammation.
A key screening and monitoring marker for prostate cancer. Rising PSA after treatment may indicate recurrence. Age, medications, and BPH can also affect levels.
Primarily used to monitor ovarian cancer treatment. Can be elevated in endometriosis, fibroids, pregnancy, and liver disease — context matters.
Elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma and certain germ cell tumors. Also used in prenatal screening. Chronic liver disease can cause mild elevations.
Indicates immune system status. Chemotherapy often causes low WBC (neutropenia). Elevated WBC may suggest infection or leukemia. Differential counts provide further detail.
Low hemoglobin (anemia) is common during cancer treatment and can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Transfusions or EPO may be needed.
A general marker of tissue damage and cell turnover. Elevated LDH in cancer can indicate high tumor burden or aggressive disease. Not specific to any one cancer.
Elevated in bone metastases and liver involvement. Often used alongside imaging to track disease spread. Growing children and fracture healing also cause elevations.
A broad marker of inflammation. Elevated CRP in cancer patients correlates with poorer prognosis and higher tumor burden. Also rises with infection and autoimmune conditions.
Measures how quickly red blood cells settle. Elevated in multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and widespread inflammation. A nonspecific but useful trend marker.
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