Dr. Zee:The Best Blood Test for Cancer

In this video I'm going to talk about how you can potentially catch a problem before it turns into a big problem with this important blood test for cancer.

There is an interesting blood test you can get that helps screen for cancer and determine the severity of damage there is to the cells if you have cancer. When you get a blood test done, you may want to consider getting this test. It's called a lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme test.

When a cell dies or ruptures, it leaks out certain things, including an enzyme called lactate dehydrogenase. This enzyme generates energy for cancer cells.

There are five different types of this enzyme, and the number you test positive for can help determine where the problem is in the body. When you order the test, it may be helpful to test for all five of the different enzymes, also called isomers.

This blood test won’t tell you what type of cancer you have, but it can help tell you if there is damage and the severity of damage in the cells. You can also use this test to monitor progress over time.

A younger person or a person who does intense exercise may have higher values that appear on the test, giving a false picture of what's happening. Certain medications, narcotics, or alcohol may also increase the values. On the flip side, taking high amounts of vitamin C can reduce this enzyme, also giving you a false picture.




DISCLAIMER: This video is purely educational and cannot be considered as personal medical advice. The content is my personal opinion and not that of my employer(s). Use this information at your own risk. I will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.