Blood analysis of PLAP in the investigation of testicular cancer (seminoma)
Have you noticed a lump in the testicle, a feeling of heaviness, discomfort or are you undergoing an investigation where testicular cancer is suspected? Then a blood test for S-PLAP can provide more information. PLAP is a tumor marker that is used in the investigation and follow-up of germ cell cancer, especially seminoma. With us you have the opportunity to order a referral for S-PLAP for further analysis at accredited Swedish laboratories.
PLAP or "Placental Alkaline Phosphatase" is an enzyme/protein that is normally formed in the placenta during pregnancy. In adult men and non-pregnant women, the levels are usually very low. In certain forms of cancer, tumor cells can begin to produce PLAP, which can cause the level in the blood to rise. By analyzing S-PLAP, you can get an indication of whether there is increased PLAP production, which may be relevant if seminoma is suspected. However, the test is not used as a general screening test, but as part of a broader medical investigation.
Why is it important to analyze PLAP?
PLAP is used in healthcare as a complement in the diagnosis and follow-up of seminoma. An elevated value can help strengthen the suspicion of germ cell cancer and is often used to follow disease activity over time or evaluate treatment results.
It is important to know that PLAP is not completely specific for cancer. In particular, smoking can clearly affect the value, which means that the test result needs to be interpreted with extra caution in people who smoke.
Who can benefit from testing PLAP?
An analysis of the S-PLAP blood test may be relevant if you:
- are being investigated for suspected testicular cancer, especially seminoma
- have symptoms from the testicles such as a lump, heaviness or discomfort
- have a known diagnosis and need follow-up over time
- are being followed after treatment to detect changes
After your purchase, you can quickly activate your referral and submit a blood test at one of our testing clinics. When the analysis is complete, you will receive your test result along with a clear, medically explained interpretation.
Important about smoking and PLAP
PLAP can rise sharply in smokers, in some cases up to about ten times higher than in non-smokers. This means that the value of the test as a tumor marker is more limited in this group. If you smoke, it is therefore important that this is taken into account in the assessment of the test result.
PLAP in combination with AFP and β-hCG
In the investigation and follow-up of testicular cancer, PLAP is often analyzed together with the tumor markers AFP and β-hCG. These markers complement each other and can provide a clearer overall picture.
- PLAP is often elevated in seminoma.
- AFP is usually normal in seminoma – elevated AFP may indicate another type of germ cell tumor.
- β-hCG may be elevated in both seminoma and other types and is also used to monitor treatment.
Analysis at an accredited laboratory
All samples are analyzed at Swedish accredited laboratories with high quality assurance. This means that you can feel confident that the results meet the same standards as in public healthcare.
How should the S-PLAP test result be interpreted?
A normal PLAP value indicates against a clear PLAP increase, while elevated levels may be consistent with seminoma or other germ cell cancer. At the same time, smoking can give significantly elevated values without it necessarily being due to cancer. Interpretation of S-PLAP is therefore recommended to be carried out together with the treating physician and in relation to symptoms, smoking status, other tumor markers as well as imaging diagnostics and other examination findings. In case of deviating results, further investigation may be necessary.
