Bone cancer is rare and may be difficult to diagnose. Diagnostic tests for the disease include X-rays, bone biopsies and blood tests; one of these tests focuses on an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase. While this can help doctors rule out other diseases, it is not a diagnostic marker by itself. Talk with your doctor about what your test results mean, as this enzyme is not the sole marker for bone cancer.
Bone Cancer
In 2011 in the United States, nearly 3,000 individuals in the United States will be newly diagnosed with a primary cancer of the bones or joints; almost 1,500 individuals will die from the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute. Primary bone cancer means the cancer originates in the bones, and is not another type of cancer that has spread to the bones. There are many different types of bone cancer, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Treatment can vary based on the specific type of bone cancer and the extent of disease, and can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and cryotherapy. Talk with your oncologist about your situation and what treatments are best for you.
Alkaline Phosphatase
Alkaline phosphatase, or ALP, is a protein that is present in tissues of the body, especially the liver, bile ducts and bone, states MedlinePlus. Levels of ALP can be obtained through blood tests, and a typical ALP level ranges between 44 to 147 IU/L. High levels may be an indicator of disease, including bone cancer. Changes in ALP levels can also be caused by various medications, and children who are having growth spurts and pregnant women may have higher than normal ALP levels, warns MedlinePlus. The test is usually used to help diagnose bone or liver disease, or to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for these diseases. It is sometimes also included in a liver function test.
Diagnosing Bone Cancer
There are many different tests doctors use when trying to diagnose bone cancer, including blood tests. One of these tests is for ALP. Although higher levels of ALP can signify bone cancer, there are many other reasons for an elevated ALP level, including anemia, medications and any fractures that are healing. Talk with your doctor about your ALP level and what the possible explanations could be for any abnormal results; it may not mean bone cancer, this is only one of the tests that aids in diagnosis.
Considerations
When getting a workup for a possible diagnosis of bone cancer, it is important to understand that one test alone is typically not enough for a definitive diagnosis, and the ALP test is not a reliable indicator of bone cancer without addition tests. The god news is that bone cancer is treatable, especially if caught in its early stages.
