Clinical significance of tumor markers

In the broadest sense of the term, a tumor marker is any indicator whose concentration can increase in the presence of a neoplastic process in the body. In this sense, classic tumor markers are, e.g. erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lactate dehydrogenase. Such markers also increase in inflammatory or necrotic processes - i.e. are very nonspecific for neoplastic disease. In the narrow sense, tumor markers are macromolecules whose formation and increase in concentration in the body are somehow related to the occurrence and spread of malignant tumors. They can be associated with the cell membrane and examined by histochemical methods or synthesized and excreted by the tumor tissue, released during the breakdown of this tissue or formed by other cells under the influence of tumor growth, being released in body fluids and be determined there. This group of tumor markers that are tested in blood serum or urine are the subject of further discussion.