Question: My dog was recently diagnosed with a mass in the skin. The diagnosis was fibrosarcoma. I am concerned because a blood test was done at my veterinarian?s office three months ago and all the values were normal. Doesn?t the blood test screen for cancer? Why were no markers seen on the blood tests?
Answer: That?s one of the most frequent questions I am asked. The blood tests performed for wellness evaluations evaluate metabolic and biochemical parameters. This means the blood testing is used to monitor protein levels in the blood, electrolytes, kidney function, liver values and glucose levels. These tests are used to screen patients for underlying diseases like diabetes mellitus, liver failure, kidney infection, electrolyte imbalance, and endocrine diseases.
Unfortunately, there is no easy and specific blood test that screens for all types of cancer. Another blood test that is performed as part of an overall screening test is a CBC. This test also causes some confusion because it evaluates cells in the peripheral blood. A white blood cell count, hematocrit and platelet count are a part of this screening test. Changes in the values can raise the suspicion of a diagnosis of cancer, but again this is not a specific test to screen for cancer. A hematocrit measures the red blood cell counts and a low hematocrit means that anemia is present.
There are many reasons for anemia, one of which is cancer. An elevated white blood cell count can mean infection or inflammation. An elevated white blood cell count can also mean leukemia, but this is a fairly uncommon diagnosis in canine and feline patients.
Interestingly, in the majority of patients that present with a diagnosis of fibrosarcoma, like your dog, the blood test results are normal. This is because the cancer is localized to one part of the body and it is not interfering with the function of the organs, electrolyte levels or blood counts.
Routine blood testing is valuable and necessary, especially in geriatric patients as part of an overall wellness evaluation. Blood test results need to be interpreted in conjunction with physical examination findings, any symptoms of disease, or any changes in behavior patterns.
Dr. Correa
Board Certified in Oncology
Animal Cancer Care Clinic
www.AnimalCancerCareClinic.com
Read more articles by Dr. Correa
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2011/09/15/do-blood-tests-screen-for-cancer/
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