Final answer:
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) are common tumor markers for testicular cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common tumor markers for testicular cancer include:
- Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG): Elevated levels of β-hCG may indicate the presence of testicular cancer.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Increased levels of AFP can be a sign of testicular cancer.
- CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen): Although not specific to testicular cancer, a rise in CEA levels can suggest a recurrence of bowel cancer in patients with a history of treated bowel cancer.
These tumor markers can be detected through blood tests and are used to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of testicular cancer.
These substances, produced directly by the tumor or by non-tumor cells in response to the presence of a tumor, are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer treatment and progression. Unlike CEA, which is more related to gastrointestinal cancers, or PSA, which is specific to prostate cancer, the elevated levels of β-hCG and AFP suggest testicular cancer and guide physicians in the targeted investigation of this condition.