Category: Cancer

Multiple myeloma blood tests work together to answer different questions. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) looks for an abnormal protein pattern and can measure an M-protein. Serum immunofixation identifies its type. The serum free light chain […]

Direct answer: Most cisgender women and other people born without a typical prostate gland do not develop conventional prostate cancer. They do have Skene’s glands—small paraurethral glands that are developmentally related to prostate tissue—but benign […]

Direct answer: Early localized prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When urinary, sexual, pelvic, or bone symptoms occur, they are not specific and frequently have noncancerous causes. Prostate cancer detection may begin with an informed […]

Direct answer: Total PSA is the amount of prostate-specific antigen measured in blood in both protein-bound and unbound forms. Free PSA is the unbound fraction. Percent-free PSA is calculated from the free and total measurements […]

Direct answer: Prostate and urinary symptoms such as a weak stream, urgency, frequent urination, pelvic pain, or painful urination can have several causes. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, urinary infection, retention, bladder conditions, medicines, diabetes, […]

Direct answer: No routine blood test can reliably screen the general population for pancreatic cancer, diagnose it by itself, or rule it out. Blood tests can reveal jaundice-related bile-flow abnormalities, anemia, metabolic changes, or pancreatic […]

Direct answer: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by prostate cells. A PSA blood test can support an informed prostate-cancer screening decision, help evaluate certain prostate or urinary concerns, and monitor people after prostate-cancer […]

Short answer: Most thyroid cancers cannot be detected or ruled out with a routine blood test. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels are often normal even when cancer is present. A thyroid-cancer diagnosis generally […]

Originally published May 10, 2026. Updated August 26, 2026. Iron status is not one laboratory number. A serum iron result can change with meals, supplements, time of day, illness, and ordinary biological variation. Ferritin estimates […]

Cancer blood tests include routine blood counts and chemistry tests, selected tumor markers, protein studies, and specialized molecular assays. They can support risk discussions, symptom evaluation, pretreatment baselines, treatment-safety monitoring, response assessment, and follow-up. However, […]

Men’s health blood tests can help evaluate testosterone status, pituitary-to-testis signaling, selected causes of sexual symptoms, prostate-related risk, treatment safety, and cardiometabolic health. The most useful starting test for suspected testosterone deficiency is usually a […]

A laboratory result usually answers a straightforward question: How much of a substance is present? A biomarker ratio asks a second question: How does that result relate to another part of the same biological system? […]

Epstein-Barr virus blood tests measure antibodies—or, in specialized situations, viral genetic material—that can help determine whether someone has never been infected, may have a recent primary infection, or was infected in the past. Epstein-Barr virus, […]

Healthcare providers often measure the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to assess inflammation. This ratio helps them identify chronic inflammation and evaluate a patient’s immune response. Clinicians consider the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) a useful predictor for […]

Introduction Unexplained fatigue. A swollen lump in your neck. Night sweats. These symptoms are easy to write off as a virus, stress, or the flu. But when they persist or worsen over time, they could be […]

Welcome to our in-depth exploration of how red blood cells and white blood cells play crucial roles in detecting infections and immune issues through a Complete Blood Count (CBC). Understanding what type of infections can a CBC detect is […]

Maintaining hormonal harmony is essential for overall health, especially during menopause. Among the various hormones involved, estrone (E1) plays a pivotal role. Understanding estrone can help manage menopausal symptoms and promote well-being. This article delves […]

Breast cancer risk is a critical concern, as breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone. While certain risk factors, such as […]

What are the 5 warning signs of bladder cancer? Understanding the warning signs of bladder cancer is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Bladder cancer, while treatable, can be challenging to identify in its […]

Thyroid nodules are cell growths on the thyroid gland, often discovered during routine health examinations. Though predominantly benign, a small percentage may harbor cancer, highlighting the importance of medical evaluation. Have you ever felt a […]

Vitamin K, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, plays a crucial role in our health. This essential nutrient, found in a variety of vitamin K foods, offers numerous benefits. It is pivotal for blood […]