A<unk>  is a biomarker found in blood, urine, or body tissues that can be elevated by the presence of one or more types of cancer. There are many different<unk> s, each indicative of a particular disease process, and they are used in oncology to help detect the presence of cancer. An elevated level of a<unk>  can indicate cancer; however, there can also be other causes of the elevation (false positive values).<unk> s can be produced directly by the tumor or by non-tumor cells as a response to the presence of a tumor. Although mammography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and<unk>  assays help in the staging and treatment of the cancer, they are usually not definitive diagnostic tests. The diagnosis is mostly confirmed by biopsy.
Tumor marker
Biomarker
Biomarker 
Tumor antigen
Lineage markers
Tumor metabolome
Hormone
Cytotechnology