How to check cancer cell count
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
Cancer cell levels are generally determined through methods such as detecting tumor markers in bodily fluids or tissue samples, cytological examinations, histological examinations, and molecular biological tests. The above-mentioned testing methods serve only as preliminary screening and diagnosis. To definitively diagnose cancer, assess disease status and treatment response, and develop treatment plans, it is necessary to further integrate multiple diagnostic approaches for comprehensive evaluation.
Cancer cell levels are generally determined through testing tumor markers, cytological examinations, histological examinations, molecular biological tests, and other methods performed on bodily fluids or tissue samples. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Tumor Marker Testing
Tumor markers are substances that appear during the development, progression, metastasis, and treatment of tumors, such as CEA, CA125, AFP, etc. By measuring the concentration of these markers in bodily fluids, it is possible to preliminarily assess whether a patient has a tumor.
2. Cytological Examination
Cytological examination involves observing cellular morphology, structure, and function under a microscope, and can be used for early cancer cell screening and diagnosis. Examples include smear tests and fine-needle aspiration cytology.
3. Histological Examination
Histological examination diagnoses tumors by microscopically evaluating tissue morphology, structure, cellular characteristics, and immunohistochemical features. Examples include tissue biopsy and fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
4. Molecular Biological Testing
Molecular biological testing detects genetic material, proteins, and other molecular indicators in tumor cells using techniques such as PCR, FISH, and CGH.
It should be noted that the above methods are only for preliminary screening and diagnosis. To definitively diagnose cancer, evaluate disease status and treatment response, and develop appropriate treatment plans, it is necessary to comprehensively integrate multiple diagnostic approaches for accurate assessment.
