Tumour marker S-100

S-100 are a group of low molecular mass acidic proteins that bind intracellular calcium.

S-100 proteins are found in:

• Cells of the lymph nodes;
• Melanocytes (have a neutral origin, produce melanin);
• Chondrocytes (components of cartilage);
• Adipocytes (produce adipose tissue – protein S100b);
• Lemocytes (involved in the process of creating the myelin sheath of neurons);
• Neuroglia (perform protective, supporting functions, surrounding neurons and capillaries);
• Myoepithelial (one of the constituent glands of the external secretion);
• Pacinian corpuscles (nerve receptors in the skin that are responsible for the perception of touch and vibration);
• Langerhans cells (components of the skin’s immune system).

S-100 is the only tumor marker susceptible to melanoma. Testing for this antigen is also necessary if you have adverse heritability for the types of cancer that can be detected with this tumor marker.

The study of this protein is required in the following areas of medicine if various diseases are suspected:

• Oncology. This tumor marker is necessary for the early detection of melanoma metastases, disease recurrence, malignant transformation of other organs, and to evaluate the success of skin cancer treatment;
• Cardiology. S100 is necessary in angina pectoris, all types of cardiac arrhythmias;
• Neurology. The analysis of the s100 protein is necessary in suspected Alzheimer’s disease (in elderly patients) and the presence of asphyxia in newborns;
• Rheumatology. The analysis is necessary in autoimmune diseases – rheumatoid arthritis, Liebman-Sachs disease;
• Traumatology. As a clarifying examination for head injuries.