Another method for diagnosing cancer is the ESR indicator. High ESR after chemotherapy Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in oncology

Cancer kills millions of people every year. Doctors never tire of repeating that the only way to avoid death is early diagnosis and persistent treatment under the guidance of a specialist, in a medical institution. The development of cancer is the first to be recorded by blood tests: the level of leukocytes, hemoglobin, ESR in oncology is noticeably higher than the standards characteristic of a healthy person.

Oncology: briefly about the disease

Today, oncology is recognized as the main and main cause of premature death, sharing the championship with cardiovascular diseases.

Under certain conditions, the coordinated work of cells in the human body fails: some of them are reborn, begin to divide rapidly, as a result of which a tumor is formed in place of the cell, quickly gaining weight and size. The process affects the blood parameters, since it is the main carrier of information about the state of the organs, the first to give signals about the ongoing changes.

Doctors do not have a specific answer about the causes of oncological failure in cells. The "culprits" are seen in the constant exposure to polluted atmosphere, chemicalization of food, bad habits (alcohol, smoking), hereditary predisposition. But these are only well-known, standard reasons for the transition of healthy cells to malignant ones.

So far, it has not been possible to discover the true mechanism of cancer formation in the body.

It is not for nothing that oncology is called the “killer in soft slippers”: a person may not suspect for years that a deadly disease is already gaining strength in his body.

When examining the material in the laboratory, the details of all the components contained in the blood will be indicated in detail. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will determine the presence / absence of a tumor process, based on the indicators of the "three whales" of blood - leukocytes, hemoglobin, erythrocytes.

How the study is done

It is useful to take a blood test regularly - once a year, upon reaching the age of 45, it is recommended to conduct a study more often - every six months. This is the only way to timely pay attention to the increased ESR, whose indicators are decisive in intestinal oncology, for example. However, a general analysis is not enough to confidently talk about the presence of cancer - the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases during the inflammatory process, therefore, for accurate diagnosis, more detailed analyzes and additional examination for the presence of the oncological process in the body are needed.

In state medical institutions, blood for ESR is examined according to the Panchenkov method. The essence of the method: the material (capillary blood) is placed in a graduated vertical vessel together with a substance that inhibits clotting. Gravity separates the blood into plasma and red cells, red blood cells gradually sink to the bottom, separating from the plasma. The settling rate is fixed on a millimeter scale of numbers - how many marks the red cells have dropped per unit of time (1 hour). These numbers are called ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Analysis Features

ESR depends on age and gender. When deciphering the analysis, doctors use a special table, which details the normal indicators for various categories - children, women, men, adjusted for age.

In infants, the settling rate changes during the first year of life:

• In newborns - from 2 to 5 units. (mm/h);
• By six months it rises to 12-17 units;
• In 1 year - ranges from 5 to units.

Then the children's ESR results are set at around 1-10 units, slightly rising to 2-12 units by the time of transition to the "adult" category. For adults, the norm is divided into male and female: 1-10 and 2-12 units, respectively. In women, the indicators change significantly during pregnancy, increasing from 4 to 9 months: if at the beginning of the ESR they are within 15, then on the eve of childbirth, the numbers can increase to 40. There is no gender separation only for the elderly - here the normal data do not exceed 30 mm/h The result of an increased ESR (compared to the norm by 70-80 mm / h) can report on the possible onset of the oncological process.

It must be understood that exceeding the norms of the settling rate is decisive only for some places of tumor dislocation: the cervix, ovaries and breasts in women, bone marrow and lymph nodes - in all categories of the population, regardless of age and gender. Malignant neoplasms in other organs (lungs, stomach, liver) on the basis of sedimentation rate alone are recorded less often - in these cases, high ESR is not considered the main witness of the oncoprocess.

Thus, ESR in various cancers can be both a main indicator and a secondary one: in some cases, the analysis acts as the main “witness” to the formation of a tumor, in others it simply confirms its presence.

Often, having heard the diagnosis of "malignant tumor", the patient asks what indicators of red cell sedimentation are considered the norm for oncology. Such a norm cannot exist only because each organism is individual, the oncological process proceeds for each in its own way.

The results of the sedimentation reaction will be high after a course of chemotherapy, since as a result of exposure to the circulatory system, the number of red blood cells in the blood will be greatly underestimated.

In conclusion, briefly the main:

• With oncology, ESR is always elevated.
• To understand the indicators, you need to know the norm and compare it with the analysis.
• A high ESR is not necessarily evidence of a malignant process.
• ESR can be both the main indicator and the secondary one.
• After "chemistry" the settling rate is always high.

When you receive a diagnosis of cancer, do not panic! It is necessary to come to the doctor's appointment as soon as possible - this will save not only health, but also life.

In contact with

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is referred to as non-specific laboratory criteria. The ESR indicator is determined by the degree of erythrocyte agglutination - this is the ability of cells to stick together and precipitate. ESR in oncology is one of the mandatory tests, since it is characterized by a high degree of sensitivity and reacts to any pathological processes in the body. However, the disadvantage of the technique is the low specificity of the criterion, so it is used as part of a comprehensive examination.

The prevalence of cancer is steadily increasing every year. According to statistics, more than 5.5 million patients are diagnosed with cancer every year. A correlation was found between age and frequency of occurrence: every second patient with oncopathology, as a rule, is older than 60 years.

Currently, the etiology of oncopathologies, as well as methods of treatment, remain an unresolved issue. At the same time, mortality from oncology occupies the 3rd position in the list of the main causes of death. This allows us to classify cancer as one of the most dangerous diseases, requiring the earliest possible diagnosis and adequate therapy.

The difficulty in the early diagnosis of oncopathology lies in the possible long-term asymptomatic course of the disease. Often, the first clinical signs appear already at stages 2-3, which complicates treatment and worsens the prognosis.

A blood test for tumor markers is not a mandatory preventive measure in the routine examination of patients, since the identification of this criterion is an expensive procedure. In turn, the determination of the ESR indicator is a mandatory analysis that is carried out by all people who take a general blood test in public and private clinics. Any deviation of the considered criterion from the norm is a signal of the development of a pathological process in the human body.

Important: in view of the low specificity, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is not a sufficient criterion for making a final diagnosis.

A comprehensive examination of the patient includes laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods. Based on the totality of the results of all studies, the attending physician makes the final diagnosis. This rule is especially important in the differential diagnosis of cancer.

ESR in oncology

The ESR index in oncology increases sharply to critical values. The highest rates are observed in multiple myeloma (chronic lymphocyte leukemia) and malignant granuloma (malignant neoplasm of the lymph nodes), as well as in the spread of metastases from the primary focus.

Patients often ask themselves the question - why does the ESR increase in the blood during oncology? It has been established that the increased aggregation of erythrocytes is promoted by a change in the chemical composition of the blood. So, in oncological diseases, there is an increase in the level of mutant proteins that are produced by abnormal cancer cells. And against the background of the inflammatory process in the human body, the concentration of specific acute-phase proteins increases. Thus, there is an acceleration of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as a result of an excess amount of structural components of the blood.

How is the ESR in the blood determined?

There are 3 methods for determining the criterion under consideration:

• according to Panchenkov - the technique is implemented using special capillaries for 100 divisions and Na citrate (anticoagulant), which prevents the clotting of the blood being studied. After mixing capillary blood on a special concave glass with an anticoagulant, it is collected to the control mark on the capillary. Then placed in a vertical position in a tripod for 1 hour. The ESR value is fixed by the height of a translucent column of blood serum above the settled cells. The disadvantage of the method is subjectivity in the assessment, the error of dimensional divisions on the capillary, the maximum value is 100 mm/h;
• according to Westergren (in vitro) - international standard. The test is carried out in test tubes for 200 divisions, the biomaterial is venous blood, which is mixed with an anticoagulant immediately after taking. After that, Westergren's test tubes are placed in a tripod. The result is taken into account after 1 hour, units. measurements - mm / h. The advantage is the greater sensitivity of the technique, compared with the Panchenkov test (the maximum rate is increased to 200 mm / h);
• the micromethod is implemented on a special instrument-analyzer TEST1 with a maximum of 200 mm/h.

In any state hospital, it is possible to determine the ESR value for free, in private clinics the price starts from 150 rubles. The method used must be indicated in the results of the analysis.

Normal values

Important: the value of the reference (normal) values ​​should be selected taking into account the sex and age of the patient.

The gradation of normal values ​​is presented in the table.

It is noted that in women the erythrocyte sedimentation rate may be higher than in men. This fact is due to the lower content of red blood cells, and hence the higher rate of their sedimentation.

Table of ESR indicators in oncology for men and women

Self-interpretation of the results for self-diagnosis is not allowed. Decoding of all received data should be carried out only by the attending physician. If, upon re-analysis (after 1 day), consistently high values ​​are recorded, then a large-scale screening examination of the patient is prescribed to make an accurate diagnosis.

The critical level of ESR (ten-fold excess) in oncology is indicative of the late stage of the disease and the spread of metastases to neighboring organs.

Important: the level of ESR during chemotherapy and after surgical removal of a malignant neoplasm should return to normal values.

The absence of positive dynamics indicates a relapse of the disease or the start of metastasis processes. At the stage of therapy, monthly monitoring of the considered value is carried out in order to early identify the ineffectiveness of the chosen treatment tactics.

Does an elevated ESR always indicate cancer?

The answer to this patient question is definitely no. Possible reasons for exceeding the reference ESR values ​​in addition to oncology:

• an acute infectious process in the patient's body, most often of a bacterial nature;
• chronic inflammation;
• diseases that significantly reduce the intensity of immunity (HIV, chronic hepatitis);
• autoimmune diseases;
• anemia - along with a drop in hemoglobin levels;
• connective tissue pathology (lupus, vasculitis, arthritis);
• violation of blood clotting processes;
• necrosis of the tissues of the organ as a result of insufficient blood supply;
• mechanical injury;
• intoxication of the body;
• burns of 3-4 degrees;
• amyloid degeneration, which is characterized by excessive accumulation of amyloid.

However, the excess of the upper limit of the norm does not always indicate a disease. Certain medications (salicylates), menstruation, and pregnancy can also increase red blood cell aggregation. It is necessary to carry out control measurements after discontinuation of the drug, at least 3 days later.

How to properly prepare for research?

The accuracy of the results obtained directly depends on the correct preparation of the patient for blood donation. List of recommendations:

• donate blood strictly on an empty stomach, the last meal at least 8 hours before the procedure;
• mandatory strict exclusion of alcoholic beverages for 1 day;
• 1 day in advance to cancel any medications in agreement with the doctor, if it is impossible - to warn the laboratory about the medications taken;
• it is allowed to drink pure unsweetened water without gas;
• 30 minutes before taking the biomaterial, exclude physical and emotional overstrain, and it is also forbidden to smoke.

Summarizing

It needs to be emphasized:

• the value of ESR in cancer of the ovaries, bone tissue, lymph nodes and other organs significantly deviates from the norm. The more severe the stage of the disease, the higher the rates are recorded;
• a test to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is the least specific, since deviations from the norm can provoke various physiological processes in the human body, as well as pathologies, including oncological diseases;

In 2015 at the Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, she underwent advanced training in the additional professional program "Bacteriology".

Laureate of the All-Russian competition for the best scientific work in the nomination "Biological Sciences" in 2017.

ESR in oncology is not an indicator of the presence of cancer, however, it indicates possible pathological processes in the body caused by the tumor process. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate may be abnormal for a number of reasons not related to cancer. But this analysis is included in the list of mandatory, therefore, it is taken into account in the diagnosis of oncological processes.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a time interval showing how long it takes for blood to separate into plasma and blood cells. The study of a habitual biological process helps in the diagnosis of cancer, but is not the only indicator of the presence of an oncological process.

Deviations from the norm in indicators indicate that a number of pathological processes are occurring in the body, which requires a comprehensive diagnosis. With the help of ESR, it is possible to control the oncological disease in dynamics, as well as to assess the general health of the patient.

Attention is drawn to the fact when the ESR is considered in relation to other blood parameters. If the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is significantly different from the norm, but the rest of the blood parameters are normal, a consultation with a hematologist and oncologist is required. This is how cancer can manifest itself in the initial stages.

Permissible ESR level in oncology

Normally, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 2-15 mm/h. In the presence of an oncological process, the upper limit can be shifted by 10-12 units. In this case, the indicator is taken into account to control the dynamics of the course of the disease.

If the diagnosis is not established, but against the background of an increase in ESR, hemoglobin is pathologically reduced, and anti-inflammatory therapy does not give any results, one can assume the presence of oncology, which is confirmed using highly specialized tests.

ESR indicators depend on the individual characteristics of the organism, as well as the quantitative composition of erythrocytes produced by bone marrow cells. With the development of stable anemia due to a decrease in hemoglobin levels, the rate of gluing of red blood cells together increases accordingly. This process is characteristic of many diseases, including cancer.

What is the deviation from the norm?

There are a lot of reasons why ESR indicators may not coincide with the norm. Elevated values ​​indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in tissues and organs, as well as a decrease in the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. Indirectly, such causes may develop due to the oncological process, but ESR data is not enough to confirm it.

Low values ​​indicate high levels of bilirubin in the blood, which helps speed up the breakdown of red blood cells. It can also indicate cancer, but there are other equally good reasons.

In the event that the decoding indicates values ​​that are radically different from the norm, you should consult a doctor to identify possible causes and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.

How is the research done?

The simplest, but no less reliable, is the Panchenkov method, based on the use of columns with a scale. The study is carried out in stages:

1. With the help of a scarifier, the bundles of the finger are punctured. The first portion of blood is removed from the surface of the finger. The second portion is collected using a special tube.
2. Fresh blood is introduced into a glass flask, diluted with sodium citrate in a ratio of 1:4. This substance prevents premature blood clotting.
3. A well-mixed solution of blood and anticoagulant is poured into a special flask, which is located on a tripod with a scale. The blood is left for 1 hour, after which measurements are taken.
4. In the first 10 minutes, you can see the adhesion of blood cells to each other. Within 40 minutes, blood is stratified into plasma, which consists mainly of water and occupies the upper positions, and a sediment consisting of blood cells glued together.
5. The distance that the blood "passed" in 1 hour is an indicator of the ESR, calculated in mm / h.

The accuracy of the results is affected by the temperature in the room where the study is performed, as well as the quality of the reagents and the responsibility of the personnel.

There are other methods for determining this blood indicator, but they are calculated mainly in specialized laboratories, but in terms of the accuracy of the data obtained they are not inferior to the domestic method.

Rules for passing the analysis

Before donating blood, special preparation is necessary:

1. Blood is taken on an empty stomach in the first 2-3 hours after waking up. The last meal should be no later than 16 hours before blood sampling.
2. It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol and smoking 3-4 days before the study.
3. It is important to follow a diet, excluding fatty, fried, spicy and smoked foods.
4. Limit physical activity the day before, sleep well and relax.
5. Drink enough fluids so that the blood has the correct concentration.
6. Refuse stresses and situations that can affect the change in the state of the psyche.

Blood sampling is carried out under sterile conditions with disposable devices. Only freshly collected blood is suitable for research.

In the event that the patient takes any medications on an ongoing basis, this should be told to the laboratory assistant in advance, as the percentage of error will increase. After the study, the results are entered into a special form - a transcript, on the basis of which the doctor decides on further measures.

When the data obtained do not correspond to the general well-being of the patient, it makes sense to do an analysis in another laboratory. Based on the data obtained, the doctor decides on the appointment of a comprehensive examination, which will help to identify the true cause of abnormal blood counts.

Reading 5 min. Views 3.7k.

ESR in oncology is considered a sign of a malignant process that occurs with a low level of hemoglobin.

How is ESR related to cancer?

A change in the laboratory index is observed in malignant tumors such as breast cancer, bone marrow and lymph node tumors. ESR in gastrointestinal cancer is not the main diagnostic feature.

Tumors of the heart in children are accompanied by elevated ESR in the blood test. With an adenosquamous cell tumor of the rectum, the ESR level is 48 mm/h, and the rest of the indicators do not change.

In oncological diseases, the rate of lowering of erythrocytes increases. The standard rate for women does not exceed 8-15 mm / h, for men - 6-12 mm / h. During the cancerous process, the deposition rate increases several times. ESR indicators in oncology increase to 70-80 mm / h.

The test serves as an indirect sign of a malignant tumor. If, with a high level of lowering of blood elements, the patient has no signs of inflammation, the patient is prescribed an additional examination. In cancer, a nonspecific sign changes as a result of the following factors:

How often do you take a blood test?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

Only by prescription of the attending physician 30%, 949 votes

Once a year and I think it's enough 18%, 554 vote

At least twice a year 15%, 460 votes

More than twice a year but less than six times 11%, 344 vote

I monitor my health and take it once a month 6%, 197 votes

I'm afraid of this procedure and try not to pass 4%, 135 votes

21.10.2019

• infections;
• necrosis;
• immunosuppression;
• chemotherapy.

How the study is done

The ESR indicator in the blood in oncology is calculated according to the following rules:

• blood is taken from a vein;
• use an anticoagulant solution for mixing;
• place the composition in a special glass vessel and hold it vertically.

The cell sedimentation rate is determined within 1 hour.

To get an accurate result, you need to prepare:

• test tubes;
• anticoagulant;
• sodium citrate.

The anticoagulant and blood should be mixed rapidly. Each person has a different rate of erythrocyte sedimentation. In elderly and senile people from 69 to 94 years old, the index is 110 mm / h. The delivery of a clinical blood test to establish a non-specific symptom is carried out according to the Panchenkov method in 5 stages:

1. They take a 5% solution of sodium citrate for work and place it on a special glass.
2. Treat the capillary with this solution prepared in advance.
3. Material for research is collected in a clean vessel and transferred to glass.
4. Combine it with citrate and fill the capillary.
5. Then put it in a tripod and turn on the timer.

To determine the result after 60 minutes, measure the height of the clear liquid column.

Normal values

The study indicators are different, their value depends on age and other factors, so there is a different norm for women, in oncology it is determined by the nature of the disease and the drugs that the patient took daily. The ESR index in a 15-year-old woman is in the range from 4.9 to 16.1 mm/h.

There are several methods for determining the level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The most popular are the Panchenkov method and the Westergren method. In the first case, a solution of sodium citrate is placed in a special graduated glass, after which it is distributed on a watch glass. Then the blood is blown out twice, mixed with the solution and placed in a vertical stand. The Westergren method involves taking venous blood, which is diluted with sodium citrate and then placed in a test tube with a scale. Depending on the results obtained, the speed of erythrocyte movement is determined.

As a rule, indications for a blood test are preventive examinations, as well as the presence of diseases that accompany inflammatory processes in the body. These are various types of tumors, infectious diseases, heart attacks, etc. This is due to the fact that the erythrocyte sedimentation rate can reflect the course of inflammation.

It is necessary to take into account the factors under the influence of which an increased ESR is detected. The reasons are quite diverse: a change in the protein composition, the number of red blood cells in the blood. For example, during a change in protein composition is the norm. This is also due to insufficient in the blood, which leads to anemia. Anemia or low erythrocyte content leads to an increase in ESR.

Also, depending on the time of day, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate can vary significantly. As a rule, the maximum rate can be recorded in the daytime, in the morning and evening the speed may be slightly lower.

The most common diseases and disorders in the body, which causes elevated ESR, are pneumonia, liver disease ( oncology, hepatitis, cirrhosis), kidneys, endocrine system (diabetes mellitus), myocardial infarction, malignant neoplasms, leukemia, chemical poisoning, postoperative period, mechanical injuries (bone fractures), shock, old age, pregnancy, menstruation, autoimmune diseases and etc.

For cancer patients ESR increased is a fairly common indicator of changes in the composition of the blood. It should be noted that ESR elevated in oncology is not characteristic of all patients, therefore, it cannot be the main method for diagnosing the disease. An increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a clear evidence of the presence of a tumor and an inflammatory process in the body. Very often, with an increase in the rate, metastasis growth begins.

There are various methods by which ESR increased can be reduced to the optimum level. Of course, first of all, you need to contact an experienced doctor in the field of therapy so that he can conduct a qualitative examination and identify the cause of the increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. As a rule, with the complete elimination of the inflammatory process, the indicator returns to normal without any additional manipulations.

There are also folk remedies to reduce speed. You can take 3 small beets, rinse thoroughly and cook for 2-3 hours. The resulting decoction is taken 50 g on an empty stomach daily for a week. After that, take a rest for a week and repeat the course of treatment again. Decoctions of wild rose, hawthorn also effectively help, as they help thin the blood and increase hemoglobin in the blood.