Oral cancer laboratory findings
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Simrat Sarai, M.D. [2], Sargun Singh Walia M.B.B.S.[3]; Grammar Reviewer: Natalie Harpenau, B.S.[4]
Overview
Overview
Some patients with oral cancer may have elevated liver function tests, abnormal urea and electrolyte measurements, or elevated calcium levels. Serum ferritin, alpha-antitrypsin, and alpha-antiglycoprotein levels may be increased in high-stage cancer of the oral cavity, while those at any stage of disease have increased haptoglobin levels. Prealbumin levels are decreased slightly in persons at any stage.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
- Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of oral cancer include:
- Liver function tests may be elevated in liver metastasis.
- Complete blood cell count and hemoglobin values may be decreased.
- Abnormal urea and electrolyte measurements.
- Serum calcium level may be elevated, which is a poor prognostic indicator.
- Serum ferritin, alpha-antitrypsin, and alpha-antiglycoprotein levels may be increased in high-stage cancer of oral cavity, while those at any stage of disease have increased haptoglobin levels.
- Prealbumin levels are mildly decreased in individuals at any stage.
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