Tumour Panel Test

What is a tumor?

A tumor is an abnormal growth of the body cells that forms in the body. A tumor can be formed in any place in your body, and it can affect your tissues, skin, bones, organs and glands. Also, it is important to understand that not all tumors are cancerous, there are three main types of tumors. The types are:

• Benign or noncancerous: Benign or noncancerous types of tumor are considered as they are not life-threatening. These types of tumors do not need special medical care, but some benign tumors also need medical care as they press on other body parts. Some benign tumors are:

• Benign osteomas (bone tumor)
• Benign soft tissue tumor
• Uterine fibroids
• Meningiomas and schwannomas (brain tumors)
• Pituitary adenomas (gland tumor)
• Angiomas (lymphatic tumor)

• Premalignant or precancerous: These types of tumors can turn into cancerous tumors if not treated well. Some examples are:

• Colon polyps
• Cervical dysplasia
• Actinic keratosis (skin tumor)
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (Breast tumor)

• Malignant or cancerous: These types of tumors spread in the other tissues and organs. Malignant or cancerous tumors are mainly life-threatening, even after treating the tumor there is still a chance that tumor might appear. Some examples are:

• Ovarian germ cell tumors
• Squamous cell carcinoma (skin tumor)
• Lung tumors
• Pancreatic tumors
• Glioblastoma and astrocytoma (brain tumors)
• Malignant soft tissue tumors
• Sarcomas
• Osteosarcoma and chordomas (bone tumors)

What are the risk factors for tumors?

Tumor can affect people of all ages, including children, young adults, and adults. But, there are some risk factors which can increase your chance of developing tumors. The risk factors include:

• Obesity
• HPV infection
• Smoking and secondhand smoking
• Consuming too much alcohol
• Exposed to benzene or their toxins
• Radiation exposure
• Excessive sunlight exposure
• Have a history of breast cancer or colon cancer
• Lynch syndrome and neurofibromatosis

What is the tumor panel test?

The tumor panel test is the combination of tests, which examine tumor markers in your blood, urine, and body tissues. These tumor markers are a kind of substance which is made of normal or cancer cells in the reaction to the cancer in your body.

These tumor marker test is often recommended for the under mentioned reasons:

• Recommended to the people who have family history of cancer
• For screening of people who are at high risk of developing cancer
• To check whether the tumor have spread to the other body parts
• To monitor your reaction to the treatment
• To find out weather the tumor or cancer have rearise after a successful treatment

When to get tested?

You need this test if you are currently on a cancer treatment, if you have a family history of cancer, and if you are having symptoms of tumors. The symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Low appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Night sweats

What sample does this test require?

Tumor tests require a small sample of blood, which will be drained through a vein in your arm.

Is fasting required?

Yes, you will be required to fast for at least 8 to 10 hours before going for the test. Here fasting indicates that you cannot consume any food and drink except water.

What will be the result interpretation?

These profile tests or panel tests examine several hormones and enzymes in your body. Every tested level’s reference range will be on the test reports for you. But, you should consult with your doctor for the specific interpretation of the test result.