Blood test markers for cancer

FormerMember over 5 years ago

9 replies
13 subscribers
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I have recently had my 6month check up having had thyroid cancer. They did a tumour marker blood test as well as thyroid function. My question is do the tumour marker tests diagnose all types of cancer? I'm asking because I have found my neck is constantly in pain and so is my ear and I've also got ringing in my ear. My neck also has a moveable lump. Could this be cause for concern as my tumour markers are ok

Thehighlander over 5 years ago

Hi Tumour Marker Blood Tests won't cover every type of cancer.

I have lived and been treated for a rare type of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma for 20 years and never once did it show up in any type of blood test.

I actually have a moveable lump in my neck but as I have lots of CT scans the lump is not a problem..... also ringing in my ears and joint pain.

Have a talk with your GP or team to put your mind at rest.

Mike (Thehighlander)

It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

My cancer story

Lass over 5 years ago

Heya Scooby,

The thyroid function test will get your levels of TSH and T4, and is a common test run for anyone with thyroid issues be it cancer or disease.

However, if you've had thyroid cancer then they also need to test your TG - thyroglobulin - levels. That's what they've referred to as a tumour marker blood test, as it shows them if there are any active thyroid cells in your body. Though it cannot distinguish between cancerous thyroid cells and non cancerous thyroid cells.

Out of interest, did you have a lobectomy, thyroidectomy, or a neck dissection? Also, where is the moveable lump within your neck?

Do pop into the thyroid group and have a read, you'll find lots of threads with lots of info that you may or may not already know and which may help you moving forwards.

Lass

I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Lass

Thanks Lass much appreciated xx

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Thehighlander

Hi Mike I've had thyroid cancer and they removed my right side thyroid gland. It's so confusing as to what blood tests are for what.

I appreciate your reply and will speak to my GP as soon as I can

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Lass

The lump is in my left side of my neck between my neck and ear. I had a just the right side of my thyroid removed. They have upped my thyroxine meds now because my blood work came back high.

Thanks for the reply again

Lass over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Heya Scooby,

There are lots of explanations in the thyroid group to tell you what test is for what and why, as well as the relationship between all the hormones and how everything works. If you're confused, I'd def sugest popping in and having a read.

Can I ask what your T4, TSH, and TG numbers came back as, and who upped your thyroxine?

Ta.

Lass

I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Lass

Hi Lass

The neck nurse rang me to tell me that my medication needed to be doubled. This was told to her by my oncologist. I had to see my Dr the other day and I told her that the nurse had told me to increase my meds. So she checked and just said my result was high and to do what the nurse had told me. She didn't say what was high or what the numbers were. I never thought to ask either.

Lass over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Heya,

Usually thyroid meds are increased by 25, or 12.5 by alternating doses. Because a little change in dose can make a big change in your body.

So I take it you were only on 25, maybe 50? Anything higher than that, doubling your meds is either a mistake, or your results were way way out. Which might suggest you're not taking your meds right. Thyroxine is RIDICULOUSLY sensitive and finicky! Lol

Lass

I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Lass

Hi lass

I was on 25mg levothyroxine and now they have put me on 50mg

Thanks for your reply and information