Case 1

Ms. A was admitted due to a pelvic mass, but imaging could not provide a definitive diagnosis. Non-invasive peripheral blood was collected for circulating tumor cell (CTC) testing, and a total of 20 CTCs were found, indicating a high risk of malignancy. Surgery was therefore decided upon, and postoperative pathology diagnosed high-grade uterine serous carcinoma.

Case 2

Mr. L, 70 years old, experienced worsening discomfort in his chest and abdomen and went to the hospital for examination. CT scans showed a 3.8*4.4 cm mass near the liver and pancreas, initially diagnosed as benign. Non-invasive peripheral blood was collected for CTC testing, and a total of 17 CTCs were found, indicating a high risk of malignancy. Mr. L decided to undergo surgery, and postoperative pathology diagnosed esophageal cancer. After active treatment, he recovered well.

Case Summary

• For patients with existing conditions but whose imaging or pathology cannot confirm a diagnosis, CTC testing is the best non-invasive auxiliary diagnostic method.

• CTC testing can assist in diagnosing whether a lesion is malignant, to decide whether surgery should be performed.