Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles, retrovirus-like particles (RLPs), and apoptotic bodies, are secreted by both normal and cancerous cells and contain genetic and proteomic material from the secreting cell. These EVs are promising biomarkers for cancer detection, as they can carry tumor-specific molecules. However, the terminology for EVs is not standardized, and different methods of isolation lead to varied classifications. Exosomes are formed within endosomes through processes involving ESCRT complexes, while microvesicles arise from direct budding of the plasma membrane. RLPs resemble retroviruses but are non-infectious and may originate from endogenous retroviral sequences. Apoptotic bodies are formed during programmed cell death and are larger than other EV types. EVs are isolated using various methods, including centrifugation, density gradients, and immune-isolation. Their biogenesis involves distinct mechanisms, with exosomes arising from endosomal sorting, microvesicles from plasma membrane budding, RLPs from direct budding, and apoptotic bodies from membrane blebbing during apoptosis. Each EV type has unique surface markers, such as CD63 for exosomes, TSP and C3b for apoptotic bodies, and Gag for RLPs. However, these markers may not be specific to a single EV type, and further research is needed to clarify their roles. EVs have potential clinical applications in biomarker development, with studies showing their ability to transport genetic material and influence cellular processes. For example, EVs from glioblastoma patients contain tumor-specific proteins that can be detected using microfluidic technology. EVs may also contribute to tumor progression by transferring genetic material between cells. Despite their promise, challenges remain in detecting tumor-specific EVs due to their heterogeneity and the influence of other cell types on EV composition. Future research aims to improve the specificity and sensitivity of EV-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles, retrovirus-like particles (RLPs), and apoptotic bodies, are secreted by both normal and cancerous cells and contain genetic and proteomic material from the secreting cell. These EVs are promising biomarkers for cancer detection, as they can carry tumor-specific molecules. However, the terminology for EVs is not standardized, and different methods of isolation lead to varied classifications. Exosomes are formed within endosomes through processes involving ESCRT complexes, while microvesicles arise from direct budding of the plasma membrane. RLPs resemble retroviruses but are non-infectious and may originate from endogenous retroviral sequences. Apoptotic bodies are formed during programmed cell death and are larger than other EV types. EVs are isolated using various methods, including centrifugation, density gradients, and immune-isolation. Their biogenesis involves distinct mechanisms, with exosomes arising from endosomal sorting, microvesicles from plasma membrane budding, RLPs from direct budding, and apoptotic bodies from membrane blebbing during apoptosis. Each EV type has unique surface markers, such as CD63 for exosomes, TSP and C3b for apoptotic bodies, and Gag for RLPs. However, these markers may not be specific to a single EV type, and further research is needed to clarify their roles. EVs have potential clinical applications in biomarker development, with studies showing their ability to transport genetic material and influence cellular processes. For example, EVs from glioblastoma patients contain tumor-specific proteins that can be detected using microfluidic technology. EVs may also contribute to tumor progression by transferring genetic material between cells. Despite their promise, challenges remain in detecting tumor-specific EVs due to their heterogeneity and the influence of other cell types on EV composition. Future research aims to improve the specificity and sensitivity of EV-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.