examples of lab report results in cancer patient

The numerous biochemical test results that cancer affects include, but are not limited to: albumin, protein, electrolytes (sodium, potassium), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin), renal function tests (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine), glucose, iron, lipids (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), CRP, uric acid, vitamin D, and LDH.

Full Answer

How are laboratory tests used in cancer medicine?

Laboratory tests are used in cancer medicine in many ways: To screen for cancer or precancerous conditions before a person has any symptoms of disease

What is included in a pathology report for cancer?

Distinguish among different cancer types, such as carcinoma, melanoma, and lymphoma The pathology report may also include the results of flow cytometry.

What causes factitious lab results in cancer?

Factitious lab results, on the other hand, tend to be caused by preanalytical and analytical factors associated with medical conditions in cancer patients. One example of this is pseudohyperkalemia in leukemia patients with increased blood cell counts, as mentioned earlier.

What should labs consider when designing cancer screening algorithms?

When designing these algorithms, labs should keep in mind that factual changes to routine laboratory results largely reflect the pathobiology and biochemistry of cancer or the body’s response to therapy.

What lab results might indicate cancer?

Examples of tumor markers include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer and cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) for ovarian cancer. Other examples include carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for colon cancer and alpha-fetoprotein for testicular cancer. Tests to look for cancer cells.

How does cancer affect lab values?

The levels of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, may be low in patients receiving treatment for cancer. Also, the levels of some chemicals normally found in the blood may be either too high or too low as a result of the cancer or its treatment.

How do I read my cancer test results?

There are three possible results:Positive: Cancer cells are found at the edge of the margin. This may mean that more surgery is needed.Negative: The margins don't contain cancerous cells.Close: There are cancerous cells in the margin, but they don't extend all the way to the edge. You may need more surgery.

Would my WBC be high if I had cancer?

Cancer can lead to a high or low WBC count, depending on the type of cancer, which type of white blood cell is affected, and where the cancer is in your body.

What is the range of WBC in cancer?

150,000 to 400,000 per microliter.

What are pathology results?

A pathology report is a document that contains the diagnosis determined by examining cells and tissues under a microscope. The report may also contain information about the size, shape, and appearance of a specimen as it looks to the naked eye. This information is known as the gross description.

What does a positive pathology report mean?

A “positive” or “involved” margin means there are cancer cells in the margin. This means that it is likely that cancerous cells are still in the body. Lymph nodes. The pathologist will also note whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.

How does cancer cell look like?

Typically, the nucleus of a cancer cell is larger and darker than that of a normal cell and its size can vary greatly. Another feature of the nucleus of a cancer cell is that after being stained with certain dyes, it looks darker when seen under a microscope.

What are laboratory tests?

A laboratory test is a procedure in which a sample of blood , urine , other bodily fluid , or tissue is examined to get information about a...

How are laboratory tests used in cancer medicine?

Laboratory tests are used in cancer medicine in many ways: To screen for cancer or precancerous conditions before a person has any symptoms of...

Which laboratory tests are used in cancer medicine?

Categories of some common laboratory tests used in cancer medicine are listed below in alphabetical order. Blood chemistry test What it measures:...

How do I interpret my test results?

With some laboratory tests , the results obtained for healthy people can vary somewhat from person to person. Factors that can cause person-to-per...

What if a laboratory test result is unclear or inconclusive?

If a test result is unclear or inconclusive, the doctor will likely repeat the test to be certain of the result and may order additional tests. The...

What are some questions to ask the doctor about laboratory tests?

It can be helpful to take a list of questions to the doctor’s office. Questions about a laboratory test might include: What will this test measur...

How reliable are laboratory tests and their results?

The results of laboratory tests affect many of the decisions a doctor makes about a person’s health care, including whether additional tests are...

What new laboratory tests for cancer medicine are on the horizon?

Tests that measure the number of cancer cells in a sample of blood (circulating tumors cells) or examine the DNA of such cells are of great i...

What are routine lab tests used for?

What routine lab tests are used to manage cancer ? These tests include clinical chemistry tests, immunoassays, and hematological tests, many of which provide information about a patient’s general health condition. Certain routine lab tests also indicate the pathological status of a patient’s malignancy.

How does cancer develop?

A: Cancer develops and grows through a complex process involving genetic mutations, tumorigenesis, tumor biology, and pathobiology. This process not only causes disease-specific biological and pathological changes in cancer patients, but also triggers general biochemical changes either in systemic response to the cancer itself or ...

Why is potassium high in leukemia?

In leukemia patients, increased blood cell counts cause falsely high serum potassium (pseudohyperkalemia) and real high phosphorus due to hemolysis and the release of electrolytes from the excess blood cells.

Why do labs need to develop algorithms?

When designing these algorithms, labs should keep in mind that factual changes to routine laboratory results largely reflect the pathobiology and biochemistry of cancer or the body’s response to therapy.

Does monoclonal immunoglobulin cause high calcium?

In multiple myeloma patients, elevated levels of monoclonal immunoglobulin lead to both false and real high calcium and phosphorus results, as well as false low readings for albumin, lipids, sodium, phosphorus, chloride, glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and thyroxine.

What tests are used to determine if a person has cancer?

Doctors may use a variety of laboratory tests if cancer is suspected. In conducting lab tests for cancer, samples of blood, urine, other bodily fluids or tissue are examined for abnormal cells or tumor markers that may determine whether a person has the disease or a precancerous condition. Lab tests also may be used to screen high-risk patients, ...

What do doctors look for in a tumor marker?

Other tumor markers doctors look for when diagnosing and treating cancer include: Tests may help diagnose and stage cancer, determine treatment options and measure response to treatment . Tests may help determine response to treatment and prognosis.

What is flow cytometry used for?

Flow cytometry may also be used to measure the amount of DNA in cancer cells. In this case, the cells are treated with special light-sensitive dyes that react with DNA. For patients with breast, prostate or bladder cancer, an abnormal amount of DNA may indicate a recurrence.

What is a lab test?

Lab tests also may be used to screen high-risk patients, pinpoint the stage of cancer, identify treatment options and evaluate whether the cancer is responding to treatment. Lab tests may also be used to determine whether a patient has a cancer recurrence —a disease that has returned to its original location—or whether a new cancer has developed.

Why do oncologists use CBC?

Also, because some cancer treatments may temporarily lower blood counts, oncologists often use CBC tests throughout treatment to closely monitor a patient’s blood counts.

Can a tumor marker be used alone?

Because an elevated tumor marker doesn’t necessarily indicate cancer, tumor markers cannot be used alone to diagnose cancer. Generally, tumor marker measurements are used in combination with other tests, such as biopsies. Tumor marker tests used to diagnose cancer include:

Can a high PSA level indicate prostate cancer?

However, an increase in PSA level over time may indicate prostate cancer. That’s why some men with a high PSA level may be monitored under active surveillance, which involves PSA testing at regular intervals. Other tumor markers doctors look for when diagnosing and treating cancer include: Marker. Associated cancers.

How does a laboratory test affect a person's health care?

The results of laboratory tests affect many of the decisions a doctor makes about a person’s health care, including whether additional tests are necessary, developing a treatment plan, or monitoring a person’s response to treatment .

Why do lab results vary?

With some laboratory tests, the results obtained for healthy people can vary somewhat from person to person. Factors that can cause person-to-person variation in laboratory test results include a person's age, sex, race, medical history, and general health. In fact, the results obtained from a single person given the same test on different days can ...

How to enroll in CLIA?

To enroll in the CLIA program, laboratories must complete a certification process that is based on the level of complexity of tests that the laboratory will perform. The more complicated the test, the more demanding the requirements for certification.

Why are DNA tests important in cancer?

Tests that measure the number of cancer cells in a sample of blood (circulating tumors cells) or examine the DNA of such cells are of great interest in cancer medicine because research suggests that levels of these cells might be useful for evaluating response to treatment and detecting cancer recurrence.

What is a laboratory test?

What are laboratory tests? A laboratory test is a procedure in which a sample of blood, urine, other bodily fluid, or tissue is examined to get information about a person’s health. Some laboratory tests provide precise and reliable information about specific health problems.

Why do doctors use other tests?

Other tests provide more general information that helps doctors identify or rule out possible health problems. Doctors often use other types of tests, such as imaging tests, in addition to laboratory tests to learn more about a person’s health.

What is the purpose of a cancer diagnosis?

To help diagnose cancer. To provide information about the stage of a cancer (that is, its severity); for malignant tumors, this includes the size and/or extent (reach) of the original (primary) tumor and whether or not the tumor has spread ( metastasized) to other parts of the body. To plan treatment.

What is a pathology report?

Stages of Cancer . A pathology report is a medical document that gives information about a diagnosis, such as cancer. To test for the disease, a sample of your suspicious tissue is sent to a lab. A doctor called a pathologist studies it under a microscope. They may also do tests to get more information.

What is the identifying information on a blood test?

Identifying information: This has your name, birth date, and medical record number. It also lists contact information for your doctor, the pathologist and lab where the sample was tested.

What does grade mean in cancer?

Grade: The pathologist compares the cancer cells to healthy cells. There are different scales for specific cancers. A tumor grade reflects how likely it is to grow and spread. In general, this is what those grades mean: Grade 1: Low grade, or well-differentiated: The cells look a little different than regular cells.

How to grade a tumor?

Grade: The pathologist compares the cancer cells to healthy cells. There are different scales for specific cancers. A tumor grade reflects how likely it is to grow and spread. In general, this is what those grades mean: 1 Grade 1: Low grade, or well-differentiated: The cells look a little different than regular cells. They aren’t growing quickly. 2 Grade 2: Moderate grade, or moderately differentiated: They don’t look like normal cells. They’re growing faster than normal. 3 Grade 3: High grade, or poorly differentiated: The cells look very different than normal cells. They’re growing or spreading fast.

What is the mitotic rate of cancer?

They’re positive if they have cancer and negative if they don’t. Mitotic rate: This is a measure of how quickly cancerous cells are dividing. To get this number, the pathologist usually counts the number of dividing cells in a certain amount of tissue. The mitotic rate is often used to find what stage the cancer is in.

What is metastatic cancer?

Cancers that spread are called invasive. Metastatic cancer is when the disease spreads to another part of the body from where it started.

What is a pathology report?

A pathology report is a document that contains the diagnosis determined by examining cells and tissues under a microscope. The report may also contain information about the size, shape, and appearance of a specimen as it looks to the naked eye. This information is known as the gross description.

How to tell if a biopsy is cancerous?

This is known as histologic (tissue) examination and is usually the best way to tell if cancer is present. The pathologist may also examine cytologic (cell) material.

What is an IHC report?

For example, the pathology report may include information obtained from immunochemical stains (IHC). IHC uses antibodies to identify specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells. IHC can often be used to: Determine where the cancer started.

How are tissue samples prepared?

All tissue samples are prepared as permanent sections, but sometimes frozen sections are also prepared. Permanent sections are prepared by placing the tissue in fixative (usually formalin) to preserve the tissue, processing it through additional solutions, and then placing it in paraffin wax.

How long does it take for a pathologist to send a report?

The pathologist sends a pathology report to the doctor within 10 days after the biopsy or surgery is performed. Pathology reports are written in technical medical language. Patients may want to ask their doctors to give them a copy of the pathology report and to explain the report to them. Patients also may wish to keep a copy ...

What is the role of a pathologist in cancer diagnosis?

A pathologist is a doctor who does this examination and writes the pathology report. Pathology reports play an important role in cancer diagnosis and staging (describing the extent of cancer within the body, especially whether it has spread), which helps determine treatment options.

What is flow cytometry used for?

Flow cytometry can be used in the diagnosis, classification, and management of cancers such as acute leukemia, chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma ( 2 ). Finally, the pathology report may include the results of molecular diagnostic and cytogenetic studies.

What is a Patient Medical Report?

A patient medical report is a comprehensive document that contains the medical history and the details of a patient when they are in the hospital. It can also be given as a person consults a doctor or a health care provider. It is a proof of the treatment that a patient gets and of the condition that the patient has.

What You Should Include in a Patient Medical Report

A patient medical report has some important elements that you should not forget. Include all these things and you can learn how to write a patient medical report.

Importance of a Patient Medical Report

The reason why a patient medical report is always given is because it is important. Here, you can know some of the importance of a patient medical report:

How to Write a Good Patient Medical Report

A doctor is a doctor. They are not writers. They can be caught in a difficulty on how to write a patient medical report. If this is the case, turn to this article and use these steps in making a patient medical report.

Who Writes the Patient Medical Report?

Health care providers do the patient medical report. The health care professionals make the documentation for a patient. It includes all the physicians, nurses, and doctors of medicine. It also includes the psychiatrists, pharmacists, midwives and other employees in the allied health.

Who Can Have Access to a Patient Medical Report?

The health care providers have the access to the patient medical report. They keep the medical report as a history of medical records. Also, patients’ access to the patient medical report is a must. It is their right to see their medical report. It is against the law not to show them their medical report.

Is a Patient Medical Report a Legal Document?

If it is signed by a health care professional, then it is a legal document. It is permissible in any court of law. It is an evidence that the patient is under your care. Thus, it can be used in court as an essential proof. So, keep a patient medical report because you may need it in the future.

How to write a laboratory report?

Writing a laboratory report is as important as taking data. When I say “writing,” that includes the careful analysis of data and attention to the details of how the information is formatted for the ultimate reader. Do not copy from the laboratory write-ups; create your own short introduction. The introduction should be concise. It should explain the outlines of the experiment, what results have been determined, and salient points about the experiment. It should be about how your experiment worked, not some reprise of the general statements in the write-ups. Remember that an introduction “tells the reader what he/she is going to be reading.” Here is an example of a concise introduction:

What is the section entitled "Experimental"?

The section entitled “Experimental” generally contains information on the physical properties of the experiment, such as the type of instrumentation used, the variables controlled and those that are not controlled, and any unusual conditions. Here is an example of a section of that type.

Do you append data to the end of a report?

From report to report, it may be necessary to append various data and/or calculations to the end of the report. As an appendix to my example report, I present some points about a report that you should consider: