
Cancer marker tests
Cancer marker tests allow the detection of certain proteins that are produced more intensively in the case of certain malignancy, and in some benign diseases or benign tumours. Small amounts of cancer markers that do not exceed established limits can also be found in the body of a healthy person.
In some cancer cases the tumour does not produce any cancer markers, thus blood tests will not show any deviations.
It is important to understand that a cancer marker test alone is insufficient to make a cancer diagnosis; other examinations are also required.
The cancer marker test is recommended:
- together with other examinations to confirm or rule out cancer diagnosis;
- in case of predisposition to malignant diseases,
- to assess the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment,
- to monitor recurrence of cancer.
The early prostate cancer diagnostics programme, which is implemented in Lithuania and in our Centre is based on a cancer marker test. The blood PSA test, which is a prostate cancer marker, is recommended every second year for all males aged 50 to 75 years and for those above 45 years old if their father or brothers were diagnosed with prostate cancer. If increased PSA levels are reported, other necessary examinations will be performed to confirm or rule out cancer diagnosis.
Many oncological diseases if diagnosed in the early stages can be successfully cured.
Advanced registration is not required for these tests.
Cancer marker tests price
What factors affect the price?
The prices indicated below apply to citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and the European Union.
If you are coming from another country please check the price by telephoning or sending an email.
When are the examinations are carried out:
The time of specific tests and associated data are presented here.
The time of pathology and citology examinations here.
Why it is worth
to be examined at our Centre?
- All our testing is of the highest quality. This is proved by the ISO 15189 accreditation of the laboratory.
- The test results will be explained to you by laboratory professionals. This service is offered by only a few laboratories in the country.
- If necessary, we can carry out additional tests using the same blood sample within 7 days of collecting the original sample. This is important for children or for patients coming from other cities!
- There is no risk of damaging or mixing up samples during transportation, which is statistically one of the most common causes of sample damage in laboratories.
Good to know
Are you aware that...
Ovarian cancer is one of the most insidious female diseases, because the first symptoms of the disease are inconspicuous and usually unrecognised. The signs of ovarian cancer are: abdominal pain, increased abdominal circumference, abdominal bloating and a rapidly occurring sensation of fullness in the stomach. Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in the late (3-4) stages of the disease and is the fifth highest cause of death among all cancer-related deaths in Lithuania. Females aged above 50 year reaching menopause and post menopause have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. This cancer usually starts silently, thus, cancer marker tests can help to diagnose the disease earlier, when disease symptoms are absent.
The risk of ovarian cancer can be assessed precisely by combining the results of the CA125 and HE4 cancer marker tests. A combination of CA125 and HE4 tests is used to assess the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer by ROMA index (“Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm“) calculation. Values of the HE4 and CA125 cancer markers and the patient's menopause status should be considered during the assessment of the ROMA index.
How to prepare for the tests?
No preparation is required for the test. Nevertheless Ca125 and HE4 cancer marker tests should not carried out in females just before or during their period.
How to get the test results
The test results will be available after 2-3 hours on working days.
You can pick them up at reception or we will send them to you by email, if you wish.
For interpretation of the test results please contact the laboratory by telephone: (8 5) 247 64 22.