CD117 (Myeloid Cell Marker)

The CD117 is a protein that binds to the stem cell factor and aids the growth of specific types of blood cells. It is a type of receptor tyrosine kinase and is usually considered a tumour marker.

If the amount of CD117 protein in the cells is higher than usual, it might indicate the presence of cancerous cells, melanoma and even gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). These tumours are cancerous and originate in the digestive system. The cancerous growth might not depict any symptoms initially. However, if the tumour worsens and complications increase, one might experience multiple symptoms like:

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Abdominal pain 
• Cramps in the abdomen after eating 
• Dark-coloured stool 
• Loss of appetite 
• Tiredness and fatigue 
• A feeling of fullness after consuming small quantities of food

These gastrointestinal tumours are common in adults but can occur in people of all ages.

In certain cases, CD117 protein can also lead to mast cell disease, where you might experience abnormal growth of mast cells in the intestines and under the skin. Some of the symptoms include:

• Skin blisters 
• Stomach pain, vomiting and nausea 
• Red blotches, bumps or itchy spots on the skin 
• Bone pain 
• Low blood pressure

The best test to diagnose these diseases and treat the symptoms is the CD117 (Myeloid Cell Marker) Test. This test also helps treat similar medical issues like acute myeloid leukaemia and lung carcinoma. Most pathologists use the test to detect gastrointestinal issues and cancerous cells.

Moreover, doctors use this test to analyse the activity of a cancerous cell, cell type and stage of differentiation. It can help identify hematopoietic progenitors in the bone marrow. CD117 can also depict thymocyte progenitors in the thymus gland.

Examining the presence of CD117 can also enable doctors to detect prostate stem cells and melanocytes along with the interstitial cells of Cajal. Pathologists can also conduct the test to check if one suffers from intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

A positive CD117 test result indicates the presence of gastrointestinal stromal tumours. The results help the medical experts initiate treatment processes to stop cancer cell growth.

During the CD117 (Myeloid Cell Marker) test procedure, the doctors take a blood sample from the vein of your upper arm. Then, they cover the area to stop any bleeding and send the blood sample for examination. If you have any pre-existing conditions like cancer, you should notify the doctor before the test. Also, talk about the medication you might be currently consuming and associated details.

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive CD117 (Myeloid Cell Marker) test to detect the presence of gastrointestinal stromal tumours. The test also helps diagnose embryonal carcinomas and mast cell disorders. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr.Sanjaya Mishra, Radiation Oncology, Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar.