What is the function of a tumor marker in breast cancer diagnosis?

The function of a tumor marker in breast cancer diagnosis primarily involves assisting in evaluating treatment response and monitoring for recurrence. Tumor markers are substances that can be found in the blood, urine, or tissues of patients with cancer, and they are often produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer.

When a patient receives treatment for breast cancer, healthcare providers can utilize tumor markers to assess how well the treatment is working. A decrease in tumor marker levels may indicate that the cancer is responding positively to treatment, while stable or increasing levels could suggest that the cancer is not responding or is progressing. Additionally, tumor markers play a crucial role in monitoring for recurrence after treatment has concluded; elevated levels of certain tumor markers may indicate that cancer has returned.

By providing this valuable information, tumor markers serve to guide clinicians in making informed decisions about ongoing treatment and follow-up care, making them a vital tool in the management of breast cancer.