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CANCER  MARKERS
       
 
 Ovarian Cancer  (CA 125)
$ 89.00  
 
 Breast Cancer Antigen (CA 15-3)
$109.00  
 
 Prostate Cancer (PSA)
$ 54.00  
 
 Pancreas, Stomach Cancer (CA 19 & CEA)
$139.00  
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Ovarian Cancer (CA125)

  
 
The Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a protein that is present on the surface of most, but not all, ovarian cancer cells. Significantly elevated concentrations of CA-125 may be present in the blood of a woman who has ovarian cancer. Small quantities of CA-125 are produced by normal tissues throughout the body and by some other cancers. Levels in the blood may be moderately elevated with a variety of non-cancerous conditions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

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Breast Cancer Antigen (CA 15-3)

  
 
CA 15-3 also known as cancer breast antigens is used mainly to monitor a person's response to breast cancer treatment and to watch for breast cancer recurrence. CA 15-3 is sometimes ordered to have a general sense of how much cancer may be present (the tumor burden). CA 15-3 can only be used as a marker if the cancer is producing elevated amounts of it, so this test will not be useful for all breast cancer patients.

CA 15-3 may be ordered along with other tests, such as estrogen and progesterone receptors, Her2/neu, and gene expression tests for breast cancer, when advanced breast cancer is first diagnosed to help determine cancer characteristics and treatment options. If CA 15-3 is initially elevated, then it may be ordered periodically to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and to detect recurrence. CA 15-3 is usually not ordered when breast cancer is detected early, before it has metastasized, because levels will not be elevated in the majority of early cancers.

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PANCREAS-STOMACH CANCER 19  & CEA

To help differentiate between cancer of the pancreas and other conditions; to monitor response to pancreatic cancer treatment and to watch for recurrence.

Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cancer cells. CA 19-9 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer.

CA 19-9 is elevated in about 70% of people with advanced pancreatic cancer, but it may also be elevated in other cancers, conditions, and diseases such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gall bladder cancer, bile duct obstruction (e.g., gallstones), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease. Small amounts of CA 19-9 are present in the blood of healthy people.

CEA is used mainly to monitor the treatment of cancer patients, especially those with colon cancer. Following surgery, CEA values are helpful in monitoring the response to therapy and in determining whether the disease has recurred. CEA is also used as a marker for other forms of cancer, including cancers of the rectum, lung, breast, liver, pancreas, stomach, and ovary. Not all cancers produce CEA, and a positive CEA test is not always due to cancer.

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Prostate Cancer (PSA)

  
 
The total PSA test and digital rectal exam (DRE) may be used to screen both asymptomatic and symptomatic men for prostate cancer. If either the PSA or the DRE are found to be abnormal, then the doctor may choose to follow this testing with a prostate biopsy and perhaps imaging tests, such as an ultrasound. If the DRE is normal but the PSA is moderately elevated, the doctor may order a free PSA test to look at the ratio of free to total PSA. This can help to distinguish between prostate cancer and other non-cancer causes of elevated PSA. Since the total PSA test can be elevated temporarily for a variety of reasons, a doctor may order another PSA a few weeks after the first to determine if the PSA is still elevated.

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  The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.
Affiliate - InforMed Centers - Cleveland Clinic - University Hospital Network