Q. My M2-PK level is 150. Does it mean that I have cancer?

Hello,

Welcome to iclinic.com.

No, it does not imply cancer alone. Many healthy people, as well as patients with other non-cancerous diseases like rheumatic diseases, diabetic nephropathy, chronic heart diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, sepsis, may have elevated levels. So there is high false positivity rate as well.

But, since it is elevated and also you being asymptomatic for other diseases I mentioned that it is better to undergo an evaluation to rule out cancer.

Also, the blood test is not a very good test for screening of colorectal cancer (attachment removed to protect patient identity), and it is not recommended due to high false positivity rate, and fecal test M2-PK is a better option.

So, I think you should have a fecal test as well. If positive then we will get a colonoscopy done otherwise you should undergo screening CECT (contrast-enhanced computed tomography) chest and abdomen to look for any cancerous change.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The M2-PK level in blood is not a standardized test, and it can be positive in healthy patients as well also positive in a number of cancerous and noncancerous diseases. So it is a nonspecific test, and positive tests lead to unnecessary evaluation and stress. But since it is positive, we cannot neglect it.

M2-PK positive in the stool is a bit standardized and studied. If it is positive, then it strongly raises the possibility of colorectal cancer, and in that case, one will need a colonoscopy to rule out or rule in cancer. So get a stool test done. And at present do not be scared.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Experience: 10 + Yrs

Cardiology

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