Cancer Antigen 15.3, serum level

Short Name: CA15.3
Sample required: Serum
Result Time: 2 HR

Carbohydrate Antigen 15-3 is a circulating glycoprotein, produced by breast cells. It is produced by a gene that is often over-expressed in cancerous breast tumors, leading to an increased production of CA 15-3. This test is useful for monitoring treatment and to watch for breast cancer recurrence. HIGH levels might indicate a larger tumor burden (advanced stage of breast cancer), with localized or metastatic breast cancer. MILD TO MODERATE ELEVATIONS of CA 15-3 are also seen in liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, cirrhosis, and benign breast disorders, as well as in a certain percentage of apparently healthy individuals. NEGATIVE CA 15-3 levels do not ensure that a patient does not have cancer. It may be too soon in the disease for elevated levels to be detected.