Tumor marker labs conduct tests that are used to detect the presence of tumor markers, produced by the cancerous cells in the body. Tumor markers are used to diagnose cancer and also used to evaluate the treatment of cancer. Tumor markers are present in the blood, urine and body tissues.
What Is the Use of Tumor Marker Test?
Different Types of Tumor Marker Tests
CA 125 Test
The test measures the amount of protein CA 125 in blood. An elevated level of this protein may be an early sign of ovarian cancer.
High levels of CA-125 can also be due to non-cancerous conditions like menstruation, fibroids, etc. No preparations are required before the CA 125 blood test.
The normal level of CA 125 is 46 U/mL or lesser. Any value higher than this indicates endometrial or ovarian or fallopian tube cancer.
CA 15-3 Test
CA 15-3 is a protein found in the body which is produced by mammary cells. CA 15-3 tumor marker test is one among many tests that are used to diagnose and treat breast cancer. However, this tumor marker test alone cannot be used as a screening test for cancer as a non-cancerous condition can also result in an increase in the values of CA 15-3. Not all breast cancer cells produce this biomarker. For instance, early-stage cancerous cells very rarely show an increase in CA 15-3. It is to be noted that CA 27-29 also measures the same protein as the CA 15-3 test.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test
Normally adult males have low levels of PSA in their blood. The normal and malignant cells in the prostate gland produce a protein called prostate-specific antigen(PSA). The Prostate-specific antigen test performed at Tumor marker labs measures the level of PSA in blood. PSA test is used to screen prostate cancer. An elevated level of PSA indicates-
Elevated levels of PSA can also be due to certain non-cancerous conditions, such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. PSA test is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and to check for cancer recurrence.
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) Test
Carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein which is normally present in the blood of adults. A Carcinoembroyonic antigen test conducted in tumor marker labs measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen in the blood. The CEA test is performed to manage and diagnose certain types of cancer. Elevated levels of CEA indicates-
The CEA test is also used to evaluate whether the cancer treatment is working or not and to check for recurrence of cancer, even after completing the treatment.
The normal level of CEA is less than 3 ng/mL. CEA level that exceeds 3ng/mLis considered as abnormal. People who are diagnosed with certain types of cancers have a CEA level more than 3ng/mL. CEA level that exceeds 20 ng/mL is regarded as very high. Even after completing cancer treatment, if you have a CEA level that exceeds 20ng/mL, it indicates that cancer has spread to other parts.
AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) Test
The liver of a developing fetus produces a protein known as Alpha-fetoprotein. The level of AFP will be very high when the baby is born and goes down by the time the baby turns 1. Adults have low levels of AFP in blood. High level of AFP in the blood can be due to several cancerous and non-cancerous conditions such as-
AFP tumor marker test is performed at Tumor marker labs to measure AFP level in blood. AFP test is also used to
B2M (Beta 2-microglobulin) Test
The surface of cells in our body contains a protein known as Beta 2 Microglobulin. The B2M test is performed in tumor marker labs to measure the level of Beta 2 Microglobulin in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and urine. People who are diagnosed with blood cancer and bone marrow have elevated levels of B2M.
B2M test is also used to
We perform tumor marker tests at our tumor marker labs, in conjunction with other tests to check cancer recurrence, monitor the success of cancer treatment, and evaluate the need for surgical intervention. We perform different types of tumor marker tests ranging from CA 125 test, CA 15-3 test, PSA test, CEA Test, AFP test and B2M test. Tesla scans and healthcare provides the most accurate and precise test results.