Cancer marker profile (Liver)
Also known as Cancer Marker Profile (Liver) Monoclonal Antibody BloodWhat is this test?
Cancer marker profile (Liver) Monoclonal Antibody Blood is used to detect whether an individual is having liver cancer or not.
What are Liver and Liver Cancer?
The liver is a large organ that is present on the right side of the belly. It has 2 large sections called left and right lobes. The liver and other organs work together to digest, absorb and process food. Its main function is to filter the blood. It also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. The liver also produces important proteins that are necessary for blood clotting and other functions.
Liver cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the liver. Cancer that begins in the other area like lungs, breast and then spreads to the liver is known as metastatic cancer.
What are AFP, GPC-3, TAG-72?
A tumor marker is a substance produced by the body in the presence of cancer or cancer itself can make tumor markers. Some of the tumor markers are specific to one cancer and some are seen in different types of cancers.
Alpha-Fetoprotein AFP is a protein produced by the liver of a developing baby (fetus) and developing an embryo. It is produced when liver cells are regenerating. It circulates through the fetal and maternal blood. AFP is still present in the individuals who are not pregnant. This is also found in the peoples who are suffering from certain cancer types such as hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), testicular cancer, ovarian cancer. AFP is one of the several tumor markers.
Glypican 3 GPC 3 is a protein which plays an important role in regulating cell growth and division before birth.
Tumor-associated glycoprotein TAG-72 is a glycoprotein found on the surface of many cancer cells like ovary, breast, liver, lung and pancreatic cancer cells.
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to find whether an individual is having liver cancer or not. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you experience any signs and symptoms such as white and chalky stools, abdominal swelling, yellow discoloration of the skin, general weakness, lack of energy, upper abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, vomiting, jaundice, itchy skin etc.
This test is recommended by the physician to check the effectiveness of the treatment of liver cancer. This also helps the physician to plan the treatment for an individual who is having liver cancer.
Pathology Test Parameters:
This test includes the following parameters:- AFP, GPC-3, and TAG-72
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Cancer marker profile (Liver). Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Cancer marker profile (Liver).
No specific preparation is required for this test. However, follow all the instructions given by the healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
The normal reference range may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc.
If your test results show high levels of AFP, GPC-3, TAG-72 than the given normal reference range, it may indicate that the person is most likely to have liver cancer, and also indicates that the treatment is not working well.
If your test results are lower or in the normal range, it may indicate that the person is unlikely to have liver cancer or may indicate that the treatment is working well.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | 10ng/ml |
| UNISEX | All age groups | Increases in case of HCC |
| UNISEX | All age groups | Increases in case of HCC |