If you had cancer would it show up in a blood test?

[HoHolepew]

Like if you had a cancerous tumour?

Sorry if the question is stupid and upsets anyone.

Yes and no.

Some cancers secrete 'tumour markers' into the blood. However cancers can vary in cellular origin and that decides if they do/don't. Also benign disease eg fibroids or endo can cause a rise in same 'chemical'

So it can be used as a tool to aid a decision about investigation but not a definitive diagnosis

Probably not, and you have to ask the specific question if you are looking for cancer for which there is a blood marker iykwim. You can't just have a " blood test for cancer".

You also need to look into what actually the test looks for and how accurate it is.

The blood test has to specifically request that info. Eg full blood count looks at count. CA125 looks for the antigen which can be linked to ovarian tumours (mine is raised but I haven't got ov cancer). Dr has to request the particular test.

Blood cancers would show odd blood counts

Oh ok , thanks for the replies

If blood test shows you are anaemic and there is no known cause (eg heavy periods for example) this can be an indicator of a possible tumour which is causing internal bleeding, maybe the bowel for example.

Are you worried hoho ?

It's my husband. He has a lung tumour and we're waiting on mri results. He had blood tests done before it was discovered and I wondered would it have shown up.

I'm a bit stressed!

Dh is awaiting blood test results for tumour markers regarding a suspicious, rapidly growing lump in his soft tissue.He has other health issues and has been on chemotherapy for ten years now because of a couple of blood disorders so his blood is tested every six weeks or so anyway and levels are never normal.
GP said to expect to be called in immediately (I think she expects it to be positive ) if the results were more abnormal than usual for him.
We are trying to adopt the no news is good news approach so 24 hours after test now.
I'm pretty sure if it was significantly abnormal they would call your dh in as they have mine in the past anyway.

oh hoho and insanity - no wonder you're stressed. I've only recently been given the all clear from cervical cancer. It's just horrible isn't it.

Have they said it could be benign?

It wouldnt have shown up. My stepmum had lung cancer and it was (as you would expect?)missed on blood tests etc. Didn't realise anything was wrong until lung collapsed :( (She had been to doctor about pain in hip which was investigated - this later transpired to be the cancer which had spread)

He had a pain in his lung and had been very breathless. A CAT scan showed he has emphysema and a tumour and cysts in the other lung. He needs half of one lung removed so we're waiting for a call back about his other one.

Hope all goes well for your DH insanity.

fingers crossed hoho will be thinking of you. Let us know how you get on. Pm if you need support.

I'm so sorry hoholepew and insanity. I wish I could offer more than that stupid phrase

all, hope all goes well for your dh too hoho.

Thank you all.

If it is operable it is usually good news.

The tumour marker for Lung cancer, as with most, is only significant when it is well advanced and inoperable due to spreading.