A tumor marker is a specific substance found in the study of urine and blood in patients with cancer.
A blood test for tumor markers is aimed at detecting certain proteins produced by cancer cells.
Among the markers, the most common are:
- CA125 - marker indicating ovarian cancer;
- PSA, prostate cancer;
- CEA - rectal cancer;
- AFP - liver cancer.
In a small concentration, tumor markers are constantly present in the blood of a healthy person. However, this does not yet indicate the presence of malignant tumors.
With age, the number of tumor markers in a person's blood only increases.
In addition, their total number may slightly increase with:
- infectious disease;
- various inflammations;
- with the development of benign tumors and cysts.
Let me present you with a few tips before you go to get tested for tumor markers:
- patients who have undergone radical treatment are offered a test every three months;
- blood for analysis should be donated from a vein;
- blood sampling is done in a supine or sitting position;
- it is required to give up alcohol;
- the analysis is given in the morning, on an empty stomach.
The results of the finished analysis can be obtained every other day.
In the diagnosis of malignant tumors, tried and tested markers are used:
- CA 15-3 - shows the dynamics of the development of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment. It is used for breast carcinoma. Normal value: from 0 to 26.9 U / ml;
- CA 19-9 - indicates pancreatic carcinoma. Normal value: from 0 to 37 U / ml;
- PSA - signals about prostate cancer. The normal rate is up to 4.0;
- CEA - indicates rectal cancer. Normal value: up to 5.0 ng / ml;
- AFP is an indicator of liver cancer.
There is also an analysis for CA 125 tumor markers. This test indicates ovarian cancer. Normal value: from 0 to 35 U / ml.
Let's take a closer look at each of these tumor markers.
AFP
AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of about 69,000.
AFP appears during the development of the embryo and fetus.
Alpha-fetoprotein is a marker of liver cancer.
PSA
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a glycoprotein produced in the epithelium of the prostate canals. A PSA test indicates early stages of prostate cancer.
CEA
CEA (cancer-embryonic antigen) is a glycoprotein produced in the tissues of the digestive tract of the embryo and fetus.
CEA indicates rectal cancer.
CA 15-3
CA 15-3 is a glycoprotein used to diagnose and monitor the treatment of breast cancer.
CA 125
CA 125 is a glycoprotein produced by malignant serous cells in ovarian tumors.
This important tumor marker is used to monitor treatment for ovarian cancer.
CA 19-9
CA 19-9 is a marker of colon, rectal and pancreatic cancer.
A blood test for tumor markers in Moscow can be taken at the Women's Medical Center Women's Health Center.
Center address: Kutuzovsky prospect, house 33.
Metro station: "Kutuzovskaya".
Phone: 8 (495) 797 78 25.
The cost of a blood test for tumor markers at the Women's Health Center ranges from 700 to 1100 rubles.
This is the average price per analysis for one tumor marker.
More detailed information can be found on the specified phone number.
