Can a comprehensive metabolic panel detect cancer?

Blood biochemistry panel tests usually cannot detect cancer. A comprehensive biochemistry panel typically includes liver function tests, kidney function tests, lipid profile, blood glucose testing, and others, which help assess a patient's general health status. Cancer, however, is a collective term for a group of malignant tumors, often caused by genetic mutations resulting from factors such as heredity or environmental exposures. Typically, a comprehensive biochemistry panel can only reveal whether a patient has abnormal liver or kidney function, myocardial injury, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, or similar conditions, but it cannot diagnose cancer. Therefore, routine biochemistry tests generally cannot detect cancer. Cancer may be identified through specific methods such as carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA19-9), ultrasound (B-ultrasound), and computed tomography (CT). Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Carbohydrate Antigen 125 (CA125)

CA125 is one of the tumor markers, with a normal reference range of 0–35 U/mL. Levels exceeding this range suggest a higher probability of cancer.

2. Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

CEA is a broad-spectrum tumor marker used in the evaluation of various cancers. It is clinically employed as an auxiliary tool in diagnosing malignant tumors but cannot serve as definitive evidence for cancer diagnosis.

3. Carbohydrate Antigen 199 (CA19-9)

CA19-9 is a relatively common tumor marker. Mild elevation is often due to gastrointestinal disorders, such as chronic hepatitis or cholecystitis. Markedly elevated levels are commonly associated with gastrointestinal tumors. If test results are dozens or even hundreds of times higher than normal values, the likelihood of cancer is significantly increased.

4. B-ultrasound

B-ultrasound is one of the most widely used and convenient cancer detection methods in clinical practice. It utilizes the propagation of ultrasound waves in the human body and the differences in acoustic characteristics among various tissues. It is particularly valuable in diagnosing tumors in superficial tissues and abdominal organs. However, despite its utility, B-ultrasound has limited resolution and may fail to detect tumors around 1 cm in size. Therefore, combining multiple screening methods is recommended for more accurate cancer detection.

5. CT (Computed Tomography)

CT scanning can provide clear diagnoses of cancer. Enhanced CT scans or biopsy with pathological examination under CT guidance can further confirm malignancy. CT is capable of detecting some early-stage symptomatic cancers. However, it may miss very small tumors (e.g., less than 5 mm) or tumors in poorly localized areas. Thus, to determine whether cancer exists in a specific region, multiple imaging modalities are usually required to avoid misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.

Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing any discomfort and receive appropriate treatment under a physician’s guidance, which helps promote recovery.