Cancer antigens CA 19-9, CA 72-4, CA 50, CA 15-3, CA 125

Normal tumor marker CA-125 for ovarian cyst

Glycogen CA-125 is a specific antigen for adnexal cancer. A study of this indicator is prescribed when the doctor suspects malignancy in the tissue of the affected ovary. An elevated tumor marker for an ovarian cyst, CA-125, does not always indicate a cancerous process. In some benign neoplasms, the level of this marker also increases, reaching 100 IU/ml. Therefore, if the indicators of this antigen do not meet the norms, the patient is given a referral for an additional, more in-depth diagnostic examination, which will help make a final diagnosis.

CA 19-9 increased

Important! The interpretation of the results is always carried out comprehensively. It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis based on only one analysis.

Significant increase, more than 500 U/ml:

• Pancreatic carcinoma;
• Bile duct cancer;
• Colorectal cancer;
• Oncology of internal organs: reproductive system: ovaries, endometrium, uterus, mammary glands;
• respiratory system: bronchi, lungs;
• gastrointestinal tract: small and large intestines, stomach;
• others: liver, kidneys, gall bladder, prostate gland, etc.;

CA 19-9 is slightly increased, up to 100, less often up to 500 U/ml:

• Liver diseases in acute and chronic form: cirrhosis, hepatitis, failure, intoxication, benign neoplasms;
• Acute and chronic pancreatitis;
• Kidney stones or cholelithiasis;
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder);
• Cystic fibrosis (mutation of the gene of the exocrine glands);
• Benign tumors of internal organs (adenomas, polyps, cysts and others);
• Autoimmune diseases: lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
• Thyroid diseases

In 0.5% of cases, an increase in CA 19-9 is detected in healthy patients.

A connection was found between elevated levels of CA19-9 in the blood serum (more than 37 U/ml), impaired glucose metabolism and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Also, high values ​​of CA 19-9 in patients with diabetes mellitus indicate the need for additional examinations and assessment of the regulation of blood glucose levels.

What is a tumor marker?

Tumor marker CA-125 is a specific protein present in the epithelium of such organs. How:

• ovaries;
• pancreas;
• gallbladder;
• stomach;
• intestines;
• kidneys

An increase in the level of CA-125 may indicate the progression of malignant processes in these organs, but in some benign tumors the level of this marker also exceeds generally accepted norms.

CA-125 is of diagnostic value for identifying epithelial forms of adnexal cancer, however, the data obtained cannot be used for population screening, since in the early stages of the disease it is detected in only half of the patients.

The CA-125 tumor marker test is used as a screening test in postmenopausal women, as well as in patients with a family history of ovarian cancer.

Purpose of the study

The main goals of studying a specific marker in the presence of an ovarian tumor of malignant etiology:

• Constant monitoring and analysis of the effectiveness of the chosen treatment regimen. Thanks to the results of laboratory testing, the doctor can adjust the treatment plan to achieve the most positive result.
• Monitoring tumor recurrences or metastases after a course of treatment.
• Help in determining treatment tactics: to prescribe a course of hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
• Forecasts for recovery and recovery, completeness of remission.
• Diagnosis of relapses in the early stages.

Indications for delivery

• Early differential diagnosis of malignant processes in pancreatic tissues (in combination with analysis for CA 50);
• Preclinical prediction of the risk of metastasis and recurrence of pancreatic cancer;
• Assessing the effectiveness of treatment for pancreatic cancer;
• Monitoring the healing process of patients with gastric cancer (combined with CEA);
• Diagnosis of colorectal cancer (in combination with CEA);
• Screening for mucinous forms of ovarian cancer (together with HE 4 and CA 125);
• Chronic inflammatory processes of the pancreas, clinical signs of benign or malignant formations (abdominal cramps, nausea, causeless weight loss, jaundice, etc.);
• Diagnosis of cancer of other internal organs: gall bladder and ducts, kidneys and liver, gastrointestinal tract, prostate, respiratory organs, etc.;
• Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatitis.

The interpretation of the test results for the CA 19-9 tumor marker is carried out by highly specialized doctors: a surgeon, oncologist, hepatologist, infectious disease specialist, endocrinologist and others.

How are tumor markers detected in the blood?

To diagnose cancer, one instrumental examination is not enough. A comprehensive diagnosis is prescribed, including simultaneous hardware and laboratory testing.

A tumor in which cancer cells are present releases specific proteins into the body, which are concentrated in biological fluids, such as:

• blood;
• urine.

To identify the tumor marker CA-125, the material for research is blood from a vein, taken in the morning on an empty stomach. In order for the results of laboratory diagnostics to be reliable, it is necessary to properly prepare for it, following these simple recommendations of the gynecologist:

• 3-4 days before the test, avoid alcoholic beverages, heavy, salty, spicy foods.
• Limit physical activity and eliminate stress factors.
• In consultation with your doctor, stop taking certain groups of medications.
• On the eve of the procedure, completely give up cigarettes, coffee, juice, and tea.

After collecting samples in the laboratory, a series of complex biochemical processes are carried out that will help determine the concentration of the tumor marker in the blood. If abnormalities are detected, an additional diagnostic examination is prescribed, which will help confirm or refute the diagnosis.

How to take the test correctly

The analysis is deciphered by the attending physician, when the process itself takes place in a special laboratory that has the necessary reagents to determine the level of the marker in the blood.

In order for the result to be reliable, before taking the analysis you need to prepare:

• Blood requires the absence of food in the stomach
  , since enzymatic activity may interfere. More than 8 hours must pass;
• Smoking should not interfere with the results
  , so avoid cigarettes an hour before blood sampling;
• Do not donate blood to determine tumor markers during menstruation and pregnancy
  . The optimal time is 3 days after the end of menstruation.

Ovarian tumor marker CA-125

Elevated levels of the CA-125 tumor marker do not always indicate the progression of malignant processes. Like other types of tests, this study can also give false positive and false negative results. Thus, an increase in the level of a specific protein may indicate diseases such as:

• benign ovarian tumors;
• inflammatory processes in the appendages;
• autoimmune disorders;
• adenomyosis;
• endometriosis;
• polycystic disease;
• acute andexitis.

The final diagnosis is made by a doctor after studying the results of studies such as:

• biopsy;
• histology;
• ultrasound examination;
• magnetic resonance or computed tomography.

In what cases is analysis prescribed?

The blood test for the specific protein CA-125 is not standard. The study is carried out only on the indications of a doctor who suspects that the patient has a tumor of a malignant nature.

Common signs that are an indication for laboratory diagnostics:

• A sharp decrease in body weight with a unchanged diet.
• An unreasonable increase in body temperature that persists for a long period - more than 2 weeks.
• Pain in the lower abdomen, intensifying after physical activity or sexual intercourse.
• Deterioration in general health, frequent attacks of nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
• Disturbance in the process of urination and defecation.
• Inflammation of the inguinal and other lymph nodes.
• Increase in abdominal size, asymmetry.
• The presence of spotting and spotting that is not associated with menstruation.
• Chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, drowsiness, loss of performance.

Non-cancerous causes of increased CA-1255

A slight excess of the CA-125 norm can occur against the background of exacerbation of diseases such as peritonitis, pleurisy and pericarditis. As a rule, in such diseases the indicator goes beyond 35 units/ml, but does not exceed 45 units/ml.

If a patient develops a benign formation in the ovarian cavity, then the level is normally allowed to exceed 60 units/ml. This is due to disruption of epithelial tissue. In this case, the level of CA-125 must be monitored on a regular basis to prevent the risk of a benign tumor developing into a malignant one.

Important to consider!

The normal value can fluctuate between 60–65 units/ml during menopause. Overestimation is often observed with additional diseases, such as fibroids, inflammation of the appendages, endometriosis.

Of course, if the norm is exceeded to 100 units/ml, then this may indicate a high risk of developing malignant neoplasms. But this value is not always regarded as a potential threat to cancer. The correlation may occur against the background of an increased level of natriuretic hormone, which indicates problems with the cardiovascular system.

Tumor marker normal

If a woman does not have any health problems, the normal CA-125 level is in the range of 10 - 15 units. The normal tumor marker for an ovarian cyst is 16 – 35 units. An indicator exceeding 35 units does not yet indicate the development of an oncological disease. False-positive test results may be a sign of pregnancy or the onset of menstruation.

What are the CA-125 levels in ovarian cancer?

It is possible to assume the development of a cystic tumor containing cancer cells only after a thorough analysis of the indicators over a period of 3 months. If cancer still progresses in the body, tumor markers are elevated with an ovarian cyst, and the indicator during this period remains at around 100 units or more.

If the patient previously underwent surgical removal of the cyst, a specific tumor marker will help determine whether oncopathology develops after surgical treatment.

Normal values

Important! Standards vary depending on the reagents and equipment used in each particular laboratory.
Therefore, when interpreting the results, it is necessary to use the standards adopted in the laboratory where the analysis was carried out. You also need to pay attention to the units of measurement. The most common reference range is:

• 0 – 37 U/ml.

Complete absence of antigen is normal. The higher the level of CA 19-9, the higher the risk of a malignant process and its later stage, the presence of metastases.

Cost of analysis for tumor markers CA-125 for ovarian cysts

The price of a laboratory test depends on whether the determination of a specific tumor marker is included in a comprehensive diagnostic panel or whether only its concentration needs to be determined. In addition, the final cost is influenced by the urgency of the study and obtaining results in the shortest possible time. Therefore, the price for this type of laboratory diagnostics is calculated individually for each patient.

To clarify prices and make an appointment with a specialist at the Healthy Family multidisciplinary clinic, call +7 (495) 185 93 07 or request a call back. As soon as managers see the request, they will immediately contact you and advise you on all issues of interest.

What do deviations from the norm indicate in women?

Any deviations from the norm indicate a malfunction of the woman’s reproductive organs.

Results above normal are possible in the following cases:

• Lack of ovulation within several menstrual cycles.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Granulosa tumors of the ovaries.
• Congenital pathology of the ovaries.
• Infertility.
• Lag behind the norms of sexual development.
• The result of antiandrogen therapy.

Results below normal indicate the presence of such deviations:

• Premature sexual development in a girl.
• The onset of menopause in women.
• Low FSH levels.
• Therapy with ovariotoxic drugs is carried out after surgery.

The indicator may also be low in the presence of obesity, in the premenopausal period and after severe poisoning.

TSH

TSH is an extremely important hormone. Along with T4 and T3, it helps prevent hypoxia in the unborn baby. It is a component of both the female and male bodies. Helps eliminate anemia in both mother and fetus.

Before getting tested for this hormone, it is recommended to limit your medication intake. You should also contact the laboratory only after a period of fasting.

The main female hormones that need to be tested in certain cases are already known. But the delivery periods for all studies are different. TSH can be taken at any time. As in all other cases, it is recommended to refrain from research during the onset of critical days. The exact moment of donating blood for TSH is determined by the attending physician. Sometimes the concentration of a given substance is observed over time. Most often, a TSH test is taken on days 5-6 of the cycle, after the end of the critical days.

Tumor marker PSA (prostate-specific prostate antigen, total and free)

PSA is present in healthy, overdeveloped and transformed prostate tissue. It is the most specific and sensitive antigen for diagnosing prostate cancer . For research, blood is taken before biopsy, removal or massage of the prostate, because Mechanical irritation of the gland can cause an increase in PSA levels that lasts up to 3 weeks. The PSA norm is 0-4 ng/ml, a level of 10 ng/ml and above indicates a malignant disease.

How to prepare for a PSA blood test?

-no food is allowed within 8 hours before the test; juice, tea, coffee, alcohol are excluded;

- it is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse for 5-7 days before the study;

— it is advisable to take the test before an examination by a urologist or 10-14 days after it;

- after a prostate massage or digital rectal examination, cystoscopy or catheterization of the bladder, transrectal ultrasound and after any other mechanical effects on the prostate, it is advisable to wait at least 2 weeks before taking a blood test for PSA, and after a biopsy

Increase in PSA :

Prostate cancer (about 80% of cases),

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (slight increase),

Inflammation or infection in the prostate

Ischemia or infarction of the prostate,

Ejaculation on the eve of the study,

Surgery, trauma, or prostate biopsy

glands.