testing for cancer or a cyst.

[silverstanger]

I have been having a LLQ pain as you know. Right now it seems like the pain has spread. It doesnt feel like a cramp (it did at first but that is when it was a lighter pain). Now I have a burning, stinging, inflammed, CONSTANT (it was always constant) pain due to the position of my body. Laying hurts a little, standing not much, and sitting a whole lot. I also have a pain right under (vertically) my left ribs that feels like a knot right now, but it may be GERD pain that I have had before.

My questions are:

Q1: Does blood work screen out any type of cancer? If not what cancers does it screen out.. what changes on the bloodwork to let them know?? I read something about enthracyte count???? (sp.?)

Q2: Could I have a cyst or something else causing my pain.
I am starting to lean towards something on the outside of my organs due to a my normal BE test on my colon.

Q3: What tests would absolutly screen me for any life threatening cancers, etc. Thanks!!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your questions.

1) There are several tumor markers that are used for surveillence of cancers.  However, except for the PSA (and this is controversial), none of them are advocated for wide use for screening in the general population.  

Colon cancer - Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) - This is used to monitor treatment in those already diagnosed with colon cancer.  Increased CEA levels can also be found in cirrhosis and peptic ulcers.

Liver and Ovarian cancer - Alpha-feto protein (AFP), CA 125 (in ovarian cacner) - Again, there are disease other than cancers that can raise levels of this.  

Prostate Cancer - Prostate-specific antigen

Regarding the erythrocyte count, a more common presentation of colon cancer would simply be iron-deficiency anemia.  Any adult with unexplained iron-deficiency anemia should be evaluated with a colonoscopy.  

Please note that blood tests are not widely used for screening.  In the case of colon cancer, colonoscopy is still the standard for screening.

2) Without examining you, I do not know what is causing your pain.  A cyst may be possible.  If your BE test was negative, I would suggest either a colonoscopy or an abdominal CT scan as the next diagnostic step.  

3) There is nothing 100%, but here are some tests that are used to diagnose suspected cancer:
colon cancer - colonoscopy
ovarian cancer - pelvic ultrasound
lung cancer - cxr/chest CT
pancreatic cancer - abdominal CT scan
liver cancer - ultrasound/CT scan
renal cell cancer - ultrasound/CT scan

I would strongly suggest discussing these issues with your personal physician or gastroenterologist.

I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[wishingyouwell]

hi ,i found a sight that may be of intrest to you on the question you had for blood testing for cancer .go to your search bar and type in ( bbc news health blood test for colorectal cancer ) click on that sight and it will take you to the info that may help you understand the test you were inquiring about .if it is not helpful let me know and i may have another sight by then ,good luck .wishing you well