Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, originates in the lining of the uterus. While many wonder if routine blood tests can detect uterine cancer, standard blood work alone does not definitively diagnose it. This article clarifies the specific roles blood tests play and the diagnostic methods used to confirm uterine cancer.
Blood Tests for Initial Detection
Routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or a metabolic panel, are not designed to specifically detect uterine cancer. While these tests can reveal general health indicators, like anemia due to abnormal uterine bleeding, such findings are non-specific and can point to many other conditions.
Some specialized blood tests measure tumor markers, substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) is one such marker that can be elevated in some cases of uterine cancer, particularly in more advanced stages. However, CA-125 is not a reliable tool for initial screening or detection because its levels can rise due to numerous non-cancerous conditions. These include menstruation, pregnancy, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and liver disease. Furthermore, not all uterine cancers cause an elevation in CA-125, meaning a normal level does not rule out the disease.
Establishing a Uterine Cancer Diagnosis
Confirming uterine cancer relies on specific procedures, as blood tests alone are not definitive for initial diagnosis. The diagnostic process typically begins with a healthcare provider evaluating symptoms and conducting a physical and pelvic examination.
Imaging techniques are often employed to visualize the uterus and surrounding areas. A transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is commonly used to assess the thickness of the endometrial lining and identify any masses or abnormalities within the uterus. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans may also be performed to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the uterus.
The definitive diagnosis of uterine cancer requires a tissue biopsy. An endometrial biopsy involves inserting a thin tube through the cervix to collect a small tissue sample from the uterine lining using suction. If an initial biopsy is inconclusive, a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure may be performed. This involves widening the cervix and using a specialized instrument to remove tissue from the uterine lining for microscopic examination. A hysteroscopy, allowing direct visual inspection of the uterine cavity with a thin, lighted scope, can also be performed alongside a biopsy.
Blood Tests in Uterine Cancer Management
Once a diagnosis of uterine cancer has been confirmed, blood tests become valuable tools for monitoring the patient’s health and treatment progress. For instance, a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry tests can assess a patient’s overall health, including kidney and liver function, before and during treatment.
If a patient’s CA-125 levels were elevated at the time of diagnosis, tracking these levels can help determine how well treatment is working. A decrease in CA-125 can suggest that the cancer is responding to therapy, while a rising level might indicate recurrence or continued growth. Furthermore, blood tests may be used to detect potential recurrence after treatment, with newer methods like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) being validated for this purpose.