Laboratory aspects of cancer

Hematologic alterations unrelated to neoplastic bone marrow involvement include polycythemia, anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathies. Serum globulin levels may be increased or decreased, depending on the type of neoplasm. Plasma fibrinogen and fibrin degradation product concentrations are usually elevated in cancer patients, whereas cancer patients with DIC have low plasma fibrinogen concentrations. Hypercalcemia can be a sequel of osseous metastases. Neoplasia may cause the nephrotic syndrome in some patients. Effusions should be examined microscopically for signs of malignancy. Elevated serum enzyme levels are not specific in neoplastic disease.