CRP (C-reactive protein) is a general marker of inflammation and can be elevated in various cancers. It doesn't "detect" cancer directly like a screening tool, but elevated levels can suggest the presence of inflammation that may be associated with cancerous growths. The reference provided indicates that elevated CRP levels have been reported in association with cancers affecting the following tissues:
- Lung
- Breast
- Gastrointestinal (e.g., colon, stomach)
- Esophageal
- Head and Neck
- Sexual and Reproductive Organs (e.g., ovarian, prostate)
- Renal (kidney)
- Pancreas
- Blood (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma)
It is crucial to understand that elevated CRP is not specific to cancer. It can be elevated in many other conditions, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, a high CRP level warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause. It should also be noted that CRP levels can vary greatly, even among individuals with the same type of cancer. The reference reported CRP levels ranging from less than 1 μg/ml to over 175 μg/ml.
In summary, while elevated CRP can be observed in a wide range of cancers, it is not a diagnostic test for cancer. Its presence simply indicates inflammation, which could be due to many factors, including cancer. Further investigation is always required to determine the cause of elevated CRP.
