A friend of mine had some blood work done and he is being told there is a substance in his blood that indicates either brain cancer or a leaky heart valve. I am not in the medical field, but I can understand how brain cancer might be detected in a blood test, but I am skeptical that a leaky heart valve would be found doing blood work and that it would be difficult to differentiate from brain cancer.
Hi, Thanks for writing in. It is true that no single substance in the blood might be able to confirm brain cancer. Though there are some blood markers for heart and brain diseases which are circulating in the blood. The statement made regarding the possibility of a brain cancer or leaky heart valve requires detailed clarification and to be supported by other available confirmatory tests. Symptoms of brain tumor might include the following(i) headache(ii) vomiting(iii) dizziness(iv) loss of gain and co ordination(v) visual disturbancesPlease send the blood report of your friend for detailed discussion. A leaky valve is never suspected from blood test. Please do not worry.