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MBBS
MMed
MRCS (IRE)
FRCSED
FAMS
Liver tumour markers are biochemical substances, typically proteins, found in the blood, that indicate the presence of liver cancer. These markers are produced either by the cancer cells themselves or by the body in response to cancer.
They are important in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type, which often develops from chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Liver tumour markers are critical in diagnosing and managing liver cancer. The most commonly used markers include:
Liver tumour markers play a pivotal role in the diagnostic process for liver cancer. Their primary use includes:
For people at high risk of liver cancer, such as those with chronic liver disease or hepatitis, regular screening using tumour markers can help detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.
While no single tumour marker is definitive for diagnosing liver cancer on its own, the presence of elevated levels of specific markers like AFP or DCP in the context of clinical findings can support the diagnosis.
After a liver cancer diagnosis, tumour markers are frequently monitored over time. Changes in their levels can indicate how well the cancer is responding to treatment or if there is a recurrence.
While liver tumour markers are useful in the management of liver cancer, they have certain limitations:
Not all liver tumour markers are exclusively specific to liver cancer. For example, AFP can also be elevated in conditions like hepatitis and cirrhosis, which may lead to false positives in cancer diagnosis.
Tumour markers alone cannot determine the stage of the cancer or its exact location within the liver. Imaging studies are required for detailed staging and localisation.
There can be significant variability in marker levels between people, and some patients with liver cancer may not show elevated levels at all, reducing the efficacy of these markers in certain cases.
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
MBBS (SG)
MMed (Surg)
MRCS (Ire)
FRCSEd (Gen)
FAMS (Surg)
Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.
He pursued his subspecialty training in Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery first in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Following this, he completed a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, South Korea.
Dr Thng set up and pioneered the Minimally invasive surgery program for his hospital in complex liver and pancreas cases. His surgeries were featured on live national television. His surgical videos have also been presented at international surgical conferences. He also pioneered the use of capsule colonoscopy for colorectal screening.
Dr Thng has served on various committees at hospital, cluster and ministry level. Dr Thng served as a member of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Clinician workgroup for value-driven care (VDC).
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6 Napier Road, #05-10, Singapore 258499
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(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
Liver tumour markers are proteins or other substances produced by cancer cells or by the body’s immune response to liver cancer. They are measurable in blood tests and are used to help diagnose, monitor, and manage liver cancer.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most commonly used liver tumour marker, particularly for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer.
Yes, liver tumour markers, especially AFP, are used for screening people at high risk for liver cancer, such as those with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
While useful, liver tumour markers are not definitive for diagnosing liver cancer on their own. They must be used in conjunction with imaging studies and other tests for accurate diagnosis.
No, normal levels of tumour markers do not guarantee the absence of liver cancer. Some patients with liver cancer may not exhibit elevated marker levels, particularly in the early stages.