Ferritin is a protein that plays a central role in iron storage and regulation. While involved in maintaining healthy iron levels, elevated ferritin can signal underlying health concerns. Understanding the various reasons for increased ferritin is important to grasp its significance.
Understanding Ferritin’s Purpose
Ferritin functions as the primary iron storage protein, found inside cells throughout the body, especially in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It can store up to 4500 iron atoms in a safe, non-toxic form. Iron is an essential mineral required for various bodily functions, such as oxygen transport and DNA synthesis.
A small amount of ferritin circulates in the bloodstream. This is the level measured in a blood test, providing an indirect indication of the body’s total iron stores. When iron levels are sufficient, ferritin stores excess iron; when iron is scarce, ferritin releases it for the body’s use.
Why Ferritin Levels Can Rise
Elevated ferritin levels are not solely indicative of cancer and can stem from various common conditions. Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant, meaning its levels increase significantly during inflammation or infection. Chronic inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease often lead to elevated ferritin. Acute infections, such as influenza or bacterial pneumonia, can also cause a temporary rise as the body mounts an immune response.
Liver diseases, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or excessive alcohol consumption, can also result in high ferritin. This occurs because damaged liver cells, a major site of iron storage, release ferritin into the bloodstream. Another cause is hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron, leading to iron accumulation in organs and high ferritin. Kidney disease and metabolic syndrome can also contribute to elevated ferritin.
The Connection Between High Ferritin and Cancer
Cancer can lead to elevated ferritin levels through several mechanisms. Many cancers induce chronic inflammation, triggering an increase in ferritin production as part of the acute-phase response. Some cancer cells can directly produce ferritin, contributing to higher circulating levels. Additionally, cancer can cause tissue damage, leading to the release of ferritin from affected cells into the bloodstream.
High ferritin levels have been observed in various cancers, including lymphomas, leukemias, and cancers of the liver, kidney, lung, breast, and colorectal. Certain hematologic malignancies like myelodysplastic syndromes frequently present with elevated ferritin. Ferritin is not a standalone diagnostic test for cancer; it is a non-specific marker requiring interpretation alongside other clinical findings and tests. Elevated ferritin alone does not confirm a cancer diagnosis.
Interpreting Your Ferritin Results
If your ferritin blood test results show elevated levels, consult a healthcare professional. An abnormal ferritin level does not automatically mean a serious underlying condition, as many factors influence these levels. Your doctor will consider your ferritin level in the context of your overall health, including symptoms, medical history, and other relevant blood tests.
Additional tests may include a full iron panel, inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, and liver function tests. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, your doctor may recommend further investigations to pinpoint the underlying cause. This could involve genetic testing for conditions like hemochromatosis, imaging studies, or specific cancer markers if clinically indicated. Self-diagnosis based solely on ferritin levels is not advisable.