What blood tests show lung cancer?

 What blood tests show lung cancer?

There is no specific blood test that can diagnose lung cancer. However, blood tests can be used to check for certain markers that may indicate the presence of lung cancer or other health conditions.

One such marker is called the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which is a protein that is found in the blood of some people with lung cancer. However, CEA levels can also be elevated in people with other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or liver disease. Therefore, a high CEA level does not necessarily mean that a person has lung cancer, but it may prompt further testing.

Another marker that may be used to detect lung cancer is called the progastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP), which is a hormone that is produced by certain types of lung cancer. ProGRP levels may be elevated in people with small cell lung cancer, but not in those with other types of lung cancer or benign lung conditions.

In addition to these specific markers, blood tests can also be used to assess a person's overall health and check for other conditions that may affect the lungs, such as infections or inflammation.

It's important to note that blood tests are not a reliable way to diagnose lung cancer on their own, as they can produce false positive or false negative results. Therefore, blood tests are usually used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies (e.g. chest X-ray, CT scan) and tissue biopsies, to confirm or rule out the presence of lung cancer.