Melanoma Testing: Understanding Blood Tests & Fasting

Question
Hello.  According to the research I have done, there are some tests that a doctor can order to tell if a person who has melanoma, if the melanoma is in the blood etc.  They are: tyrosinase, S-100 protein test and LDH ( liver)  Can you tell me what you know about these tests and if they require fasting!  Thanks

Answer
Jeanette,

I'm not familiar with the S100 Protein test, but I did find an article about it. The article says that S100 is elevated in advanced cases of melanoma, which I'm sure you found when you did your research. Here's the article:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/403972

I'm also not familiar with testing for tyronsinase, but I do know that tyronsinanse is an enzyme that could possibly be a tumor marker for melanoma. Again, you probably already know that.

LDH levels can be increased with metastatic disease, among other things. As far as fasting goes with these tests, I wouldn't think it would be necessary. LDH is really the only one I'm familiar with, so you'd need to speak with your doctor to find out for sure.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

- Beth