Tumor marker S-100 protein (S100B) — a marker of melanoma and CNS damage

S-100 protein, in particular his faction S100B, is a protein associated mainly with cells of the nervous system and some other cells of the body. Determining its concentration in the blood can be used in oncology and neurology as additional laboratory indicator.

S100B levels may be elevated in patients with melanoma, especially in advanced disease. Therefore, the study can be used to further assess the patient's condition and monitor the course of already diagnosed melanoma.

At the same time, S100B is not a specific tumor marker. It is not possible to establish or rule out melanoma based on a single test result.

When is the analysis prescribed?

The study can be used:

during a comprehensive examination of patients with diagnosed melanoma;
to monitor the course of the disease on the recommendation of a doctor;
to assess the dynamics of a laboratory indicator during treatment or follow-up;
in a comprehensive assessment of conditions in which damage to central nervous system cells is possible;
along with other clinical, laboratory and instrumental studies.

S-100 and melanoma

S100B can be used as an additional marker in patients with melanoma. Its elevation is more likely to be significant in common forms of the disease, however, the result cannot be used as an independent diagnostic method.

Skin examination, dermatoscopy, and, if necessary, histological examination of the lesion are essential for detecting and confirming melanoma.

S-100 and the central nervous system

S100B is associated with nerve tissue cells, so changes in its concentration can be observed in various conditions accompanied by damage to nerve tissue.

An elevated index can occur in various neurological and other pathological conditions, therefore By itself, it does not determine the cause of CNS damage and does not replace a neurological examination, MRI, CT scan, or other necessary tests.

What could an elevated result mean?

Elevated S100B levels can have various causes, including common cancers, such as melanoma, and conditions that involve damage to nerve tissue.

Therefore, the result must be evaluated in the context of a clinical situation. One elevated reading does not automatically mean the presence of malignant disease or brain damage.

Biomaterial

Venous blood (serum).

Preparation for analysis

To obtain a reliable result, it is recommended:

donate blood in a calm state;
avoid intense physical activity the day before;
do not drink alcohol;
do not overeat or eat unusually fatty foods the day before;
sit quietly for 10–15 minutes before blood sampling;
adhere to the usual drinking regimen.

If the analysis is submitted at the same time as other laboratory tests, the laboratory's general fasting requirements must be followed.

Recommendations

If the test is ordered in connection with melanoma, it is advisable to perform it in dynamics on the recommendation of a doctor, so that the results can be compared with each other.

For disease control, not only S100B is important, but also a complex of data: the results of examination, histology, imaging studies, and other laboratory parameters.

It is not recommended to independently interpret elevated S-100 as a sign of cancer. The result should be evaluated by a doctor taking into account the history and other examinations.

Importantly

S-100B is not a stand-alone test for melanoma screening in healthy people. This is an additional laboratory indicator that acquires the greatest clinical significance with the correct choice of indications and a comprehensive assessment of the results.