Question 1

What is Malignancies?

Accepted Answer

Malignancies are cancers characterized by abnormal cell growth that spreads throughout the body. Blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma are caused by uncontrolled division of blood cells in the bone marrow or lymphatic system. The Soluble Transferrin Receptor test is the most important test for monitoring blood cancer activity because it measures iron metabolism markers elevated during rapid cancer cell division.

Question 2

What causes malignancies?

Accepted Answer

Malignancies are caused by genetic mutations that allow cells to grow uncontrollably and evade normal death signals. These mutations can result from inherited genetic factors, environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation, viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, or chronic inflammation. In blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, mutations occur in bone marrow stem cells or lymphocytes, causing abnormal white blood cells to multiply rapidly and crowd out healthy blood cells.

Question 3

What is the best test for malignancies?

Accepted Answer

The Soluble Transferrin Receptor test is the most important blood test for monitoring blood cancer activity because it measures iron metabolism markers that become elevated when cancer cells divide rapidly. Leukemia and lymphoma cells have exceptionally high iron demands for DNA synthesis and cell division, causing soluble transferrin receptor levels to rise significantly. The Sirolimus test is essential for patients on immunosuppressive therapy, as excessive immunosuppression increases cancer risk by reducing the immune system's ability to identify and destroy abnormal cells. While no single blood test diagnoses all cancers, these tests provide crucial monitoring information for patients with blood malignancies or those at increased cancer risk.

Question 4

When should I get tested for malignancies?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue not improved by rest, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, or swollen lymph nodes that last more than two weeks. Patients taking immunosuppressive medications like sirolimus should have regular blood monitoring to ensure drug levels remain in the therapeutic range and do not increase cancer risk. Anyone with a family history of blood cancers, previous cancer treatment, or chronic exposure to carcinogens should discuss screening with their healthcare provider to establish an appropriate monitoring schedule.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of malignancies?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of malignancies vary depending on cancer type and location but often include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite. Blood cancers specifically cause frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, bone pain, and enlarged liver or spleen. Solid tumors may cause lumps or masses, persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, changes in bowel or bladder habits, unusual bleeding or discharge, and skin changes. Many cancers remain asymptomatic in early stages, which is why monitoring tests are important for at-risk individuals.

Question 6

Who is at risk for malignancies?

Accepted Answer

Risk factors for malignancies include advancing age, family history of cancer, genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, tobacco and alcohol use, and obesity. Chronic infections with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HPV, or Epstein-Barr virus increase cancer risk, as does prolonged sun exposure and environmental carcinogen exposure. Immunosuppressed individuals, including organ transplant recipients and those with HIV, have significantly higher cancer rates. People receiving long-term immunosuppressive medications like sirolimus require regular monitoring because these drugs reduce the immune system's cancer surveillance capabilities.

Question 7

What happens if malignancies are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated malignancies continue growing and spreading to other organs through metastasis, eventually causing organ failure and death. Blood cancers crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to severe anemia, uncontrolled bleeding, and life-threatening infections as the immune system fails. Solid tumors compress surrounding tissues, block vital passages, and disrupt normal organ function. Cancer cells consume nutrients intended for healthy tissues, causing cachexia, a severe wasting syndrome. Early detection and treatment dramatically improve survival rates for most cancers, which is why monitoring tests and prompt medical evaluation of concerning symptoms are critical.

Question 8

Can malignancies be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose most solid tumors, but they play essential roles in detecting blood cancers and monitoring all cancer types. Leukemia and some lymphomas are diagnosed through blood tests showing abnormal white blood cell counts and types, confirmed by bone marrow biopsy. The Soluble Transferrin Receptor test monitors disease activity in blood cancers by measuring elevated iron metabolism markers. Tumor markers like PSA, CA-125, and CEA provide surveillance information but require imaging and tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Comprehensive cancer diagnosis requires combining blood tests, imaging studies, and pathological examination of tissue samples.

Question 9

How are malignancies treated?

Accepted Answer

Cancer treatment depends on cancer type, stage, and location, typically combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Blood cancers are primarily treated with chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and targeted medications that attack specific cancer cell proteins. Solid tumors often require surgical removal followed by chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate remaining cancer cells. Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Hormone therapy treats cancers fueled by hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Treatment plans are individualized based on genetic testing of tumors, patient health status, and personal preferences.

Question 10

How can I prevent malignancies?

Accepted Answer

Reduce cancer risk by avoiding tobacco in all forms, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and protecting skin from excessive sun exposure. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV to prevent infection-related cancers. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed meats and red meat. Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. Participate in recommended cancer screening programs like colonoscopies, mammograms, and cervical cancer screening. Patients on immunosuppressive medications should have regular skin examinations and blood monitoring to detect early warning signs.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with malignancies?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches complement but do not replace conventional cancer treatment. Maintaining proper nutrition supports the body during treatment, with adequate protein intake helping preserve muscle mass and immune function. Curcumin, green tea extract, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have shown anti-inflammatory properties in research studies. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep supports immune function and overall well-being. Gentle exercise like walking improves fatigue, mood, and treatment tolerance. Always discuss supplements with your oncologist before use, as some can interfere with chemotherapy or radiation effectiveness. The most important step is working closely with qualified cancer specialists for evidence-based treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Malignancies Blood Test

What is Malignancies?

What causes malignancies?

What is the best test for malignancies?

When should I get tested for malignancies?

References

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