- Physical Examination
- Surgical Examination
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Skills
- Orthopedics
- Surgery Videos
- Laparoscopy
- Pediatrics
- Funny Videos
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Nursing Videos
- Plastic Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Histology and Histopathology
- Neurosurgery
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Dentistry
- Oncology and Cancers
- Anatomy Videos
- Health and Fitness
- Radiology
- Anaesthesia
- Physical Therapy
- Pharmacology
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Childbirth Videos
- General Medical Videos
- Nephrology
- Physiology
- Diet and Food Health
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Neurology
- Women Health
- Osteoporosis
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
- Toxicology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Disease
- Reproductive Health
- Burns and Wound Healing
- Kidney Zone Podcast
- Other
Tumour markers — what they do and don't do
Category: Biopsies, Lab & Pathology Tests · All biopsies, lab & pathology tests
What it is
Tumour markers are substances (often proteins) measured in blood that can be raised by certain cancers — examples include PSA (prostate), CA125 (ovary), CEA (bowel), AFP and hCG (germ cell tumours) and CA19-9 (pancreatic/biliary). Their main value is monitoring known cancer and response to treatment, not screening healthy people.
Why it is done
They are used to follow cancer during and after treatment, detect recurrence in surveillance, and support diagnosis in specific presentations (for example germ cell tumours). PSA has a defined, discussed role in prostate assessment alongside examination and MRI.
How to prepare
Interpretation needs context: many non-cancer conditions raise these markers (CA125 rises with endometriosis, fibroids and even periods; PSA with prostate enlargement and infection). Tell your team about other conditions and recent procedures.
What happens during the procedure
The test is a standard blood draw. Trends over time matter far more than single values; markers are usually measured serially at clinic intervals with imaging and examination alongside.
Afterwards — recovery & results
Results are discussed in clinic with the trend and the whole picture. A rising trend triggers investigation; a stable or falling trend on treatment is reassuring. Your team will explain what your marker can and cannot say.
Risks & considerations
No physical risk. The harms to avoid are false reassurance from a normal marker (some cancers never raise them) and false alarm from benign causes — which is why markers are not used as stand-alone screening tests in general.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Why not screen everyone with tumour markers?
Because benign conditions raise them commonly, screening would generate many false alarms and procedures, while missing cancers that do not produce markers. Screening uses tests proven to save lives (like FIT, mammography, cervical screening).
My CA125 is raised but scans are clear — what now?
Your team will look for benign causes, repeat the level to see the trend, and keep appropriate surveillance — a single raised value is a prompt for thought, not a diagnosis.
Related procedures — Biopsies, Lab & Pathology Tests
Browse the T section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.