(rÄâ²dÃ¤r) 1. A method of detecting distant objects and determining their position, speed, or other characteristics by causing radio waves to be reflected from them and analyzing the reflected waves. The waves can be converted into images, as for use on weather maps.
A high level of the marker may indicate a worsened prognosis in some situations. The most effective and common purpose of tumor markers is to monitor the cancer treatment. As the cancer levels go on decreasing in the body, the marker also goes down. If the marker remains stagnant or increases, it is usually an indication that the patient is not responding sufficiently to the treatment.
Doctors may test for tumor markers to help find cancer in healthy or high-risk people before symptoms develop. Confirm the diagnosis. Tumor markers may be used to confirm the results of other tests and procedures. However, the presence or amount of a tumor marker alone is not enough to diagnose cancer.Predict prognosis. Tumor markers can help the doctor predict the cancer's behavior and response to treatment, as well as a personâs chance of recovery.umor markers are not foolproof. Usually doctors need results from other tests, such as an x-ray or biopsy (the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope), to determine whether the presence of a particular tumor marker is a cause for concern.