Tumor markers are specific molecules that circulate in the blood. They are produced in the human body in response to cancer, usually. If their level is elevated, this may indicate a progressive oncological process in the body. CA tumor markers, the decoding of which will be given below, are used in the diagnosis of cancer, the detection of metastases. In many cases, they save the patient by helping to identify the neoplasm at an early stage of development. The principle of action of tumor markers is to detect tumor cells. With the development of cancer, cancer cells are more active. However, deviations do not always mean cancer. This may be an inflammatory process in the body, a disease of the liver or kidneys. For a more accurate diagnosis, doctors use SA, CEA tumor markers simultaneously with other tests, such as biopsy, scanning. There are several indicators by which specialists are able to determine the diagnosis and prescribe treatment for the disease.
Why do we need antigen tests?
Tumor markersoccur as enzymes, proteins, hormones, and antigens. Different tumors can secrete different markers from each other. It happens that the tumor produces several, and sometimes one. For example, the marker CA 19, 9 indicates cancer in the pancreas and stomach. A blood test also allows you to evaluate the dynamics of the pathology, the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
Classification
CEA is a protein that is used as a tumor marker in many types of cancer. Often its presence indicates cancer of the large intestine. Often, the level of CEA increases with oncological pathologies of the mammary glands, uterus, and its cervix. The antigen is also detected in the presence of neoplasms in the stomach, lungs, pancreas, gallbladder, liver. That is why CEA is considered a non-specific tumor marker. The level of this antigen can increase in some inflammatory processes, and in benign tumors. Therefore, upward deviation is not always a mandatory confirmation of oncology. If the concentration of the antigen increases during the treatment of a malignant tumor, this means that the development of the tumor continues, and the therapy does not bring results. Other SA tumor markers may also indicate the ineffectiveness of the measures taken. The interpretation of the results is carried out depending on the age and gender of the patient. Tests for these antigens allow, among other things, to detect a recurrence of the pathology after therapy.
Cancerpathology
There are various oncomarkers: CA 15-3, the decoding of which allows you to identify the early stages of metastasis, is used for tumors in the mammary gland, 19-9 and others. It should be said that a test for their presence is not an absolutely accurate indicator of the presence of oncology. A blood test is informative, but not the only diagnostic method. The test for tumor marker 15-3, the norm of which is 25.0 U/ml, makes it possible to detect a tumor not only in the mammary gland. Neoplasm can occur in different internal organs. Various tests are used to identify the focus, assess the activity of cancer cells. For example, the tumor marker CA 15-3 is also elevated in malignant processes in the lungs. Therefore, it would be wrong to make a diagnosis only on the basis of laboratory results. What else are tumor markers used for? CA 15-3, the deciphering of which is important in assessing the effectiveness of treatment, contributes to the choice of the most optimal therapeutic method. In addition, antigens help diagnose benign tumors. At the same time, their level may not change or increase, but in a small amount.
Breast and pancreas cancer
These are malignant tumors. Breast cancer is formed from breast tissue and is characterized by high progression, growth and metastasis. Oncomarkers CA 15-3, 19-9 belong to mucin-type glycoproteins. They are determined on the epithelium of the secreting cells. By the rate of increase in the level, one can draw a conclusion about the course of the disease and itscomplications. With metastases and exacerbation of the disease, oncomarkers CA 15-3, 19-9 in the growth of their level can outpace upcoming symptoms up to 9 months.
Analysis
The starting material for laboratory research is blood from a vein. The sample retains its properties at a temperature of +2…+8 ˚С for a week. Multiple freezing is not recommended. Experts remind that if the level in which the CA 15-3 oncomarker is located, the norm of which is indicated above, deviates from the standard values, this does not yet indicate cancer. This gives grounds for a detailed examination.
Causes and forms of breast cancer
Oncological disease develops, as a rule, with hormonal disruptions in the body, menopause, decreased ovarian activity, reduced progesterone and estrogen. There are several forms of malignant tumors of the mammary glands:
- Nodal. This is a common form. It is distinguished by the presence of a dense nodule with a size of 0.5 cm or more.
- Diffuse.
- Pseudo-inflammatory (mastitis-like).
- Erysipelas.
- Papace.
All of these forms are aggressive and grow very fast. The tumor has no clear contours. Nodular and diffuse forms are characterized by inflammatory processes, expression of pain in the mammary gland and skin, fever up to 39 degrees, redness of the skin. Therefore, breast cancer is often mistaken fornormal inflammatory process. In the case of the shell form, a malignant tumor covers the mammary gland and reduces it in size, as if covering it with a “crust.”
Breast Cancer Symptoms
When self-examination of the breast, you can notice the retraction of the nipples, a change in their shape and color, the appearance of discharge from the breast, swelling of the mammary glands, a change in skin color on the chest. One of the main signs of the progression of breast cancer is the manifestation of mastopathy. In the initial stage, there is a small compacted tumor, which is painless. There may be mobility of the lymph nodes in the armpits. The skin on the chest becomes wrinkled. With the further development of a malignant tumor, at stages 3 and 4, the tumor increases significantly in size. As a result, the mammary gland changes in shape. The appearance of "lemon peel" is possible on the skin. Sometimes there is swelling of the hand. The tumor can grow at a high rate. It can become twice as large in size from a month to a year. It all depends on the degree of malignancy.
Diagnosis of oncological pathologies
In the case when oncomarkers CA 15-3, 19-9 and others have a level that deviates from the standard indicators, additional diagnostic studies are prescribed. For example, for breast cancer, ultrasound of the lymph nodes in the armpits is recommended. This is done in order to check if they have metastases. Chest x-ray and ultrasound are also recommended.abdominal cavity for metastasis testing. Tumor markers CA 15-3, 19-9 and others make it possible to detect proteins in the blood that are produced only by the tumor. In a he althy body, such proteins are not found. The disadvantage of some antigens is that they have low diagnostic value. For example, the tumor marker CA 15-3, the norm of which does not always indicate the absence of pathology, is used mainly in treated women in order to detect metastases as early as possible.
Rules for preparing for tests
Blood, as a rule, is recommended to donate in the morning, from 8 to 11 o'clock. Before this, it is forbidden to eat any food in the last 8 hours before the tests. In the evening, a light dinner is allowed without eating fatty foods. In the case of donating blood for infections and emergency studies, you can take an analysis 4-6 hours after eating. Analysis for gastrin-17, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein, triglycerides should be taken 12-14 hours after eating; glucose tolerance test - after 12-16 hours. A prerequisite is the performance of analyzes on an empty stomach. During the day before donating blood, it is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages, drugs, intense physical activity is excluded.
How much does an analysis for the oncomarker CA 15-3 cost?
The price of the study ranges from 800 to 1500 rubles. Detecting cancer at an early stage is very important, as the effectiveness of treatment depends on it. It is known that a malignant tumor detected at an early stage can cure patients in 100%cases.
