A 31-year-old male asked:
why is elevated amylase linked to lung cancer but elevated lipase is not. are they almost the same type of test?
2 doctor answers
Dr. Amy Deeken answered
20 years experience Pathology
They produce it...: Amylase and lipase are two different enzymes produced by the pancreas normally. (amylase is also produced by the salivary glands). Amylase helps break down carbs, while lipase breaks down fats for digestion. Rare lung tumors produce amylase, but not lipase because glands in the lung are more similar to salivary glands. In fact some types of tumors seen in the salivary gland also occur in lung.
Answered on Mar 20, 2014
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1 thank
Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
44 years experience Pathology
That's bunk: I don't know where you got the idea that elevated amylase is an indicator of lung cancer, but it's not true. There internet -- including some sites with names that suggest they should be credible -- is full of disinformation about lab testing. One percent of folks have a way-high amylase because of who they are. It means nothing. Stop fretting about this.
Answered on Mar 23, 2014
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Related questions:
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Chiu answered
57 years experience Allergy and Immunology
Neither: Neither is associated with lung cancer.
A 31-year-old female asked:
Dr. Myron Arlen answered
64 years experience Surgical Oncology
Not ccommon: Most of the tests are of no value in defining disease. Some will suggest pancreatic inflammation. With US and upper endoscopy normal probably not gal ... Read More
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Gurmukh Singh answered
49 years experience Pathology
See below: There are no good blood tests for pancreatic cancer. Amylase, Lipase and insulin levels are not helpful in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
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1 thank
A 63-year-old female asked:
Dr. Andrew Hoffman answered
35 years experience General Surgery
Both together: Neither of the tests alone tells much. A combination of tests and exams will lead to diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is not able to be ruled out by any t ... Read More
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