Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) details
What Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) shows
CA 15-3 is a tumor marker used mainly to help monitor treatment response and detect recurrence in people already diagnosed with breast cancer. Like similar tumor markers (CA 27-29), it isn't used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer in the general population, since it isn't sensitive or specific enough on its own — many early-stage breast cancers don't raise CA 15-3 at all, and non-cancerous conditions (like liver disease or benign breast conditions) can occasionally elevate it too. Its main clinical value comes from tracking the trend over time in someone with a known diagnosis, where a rising level can prompt further evaluation for recurrence or progression.
Tests that include Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3)
CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) is a protein that may be elevated in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer, especially breast cancer. It is primarily used to monitor response to treatment and detect recurrence rather than for initial diagnosis, as levels can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions.
- Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) A tumor marker used mainly to monitor breast cancer treatment and check for recurrence.
CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) is a protein that may be elevated in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer, especially breast cancer. It is primarily used to monitor response to treatment and detect recurrence rather than for initial diagnosis, as levels can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions.
- Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) A tumor marker used mainly to monitor breast cancer treatment and check for recurrence.
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