Tumor Markers - Female

What is AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein)? Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is primarily produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. In adults, elevated AFP levels can be indicative of certain types of cancer, particularly liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), testicular cancer, and ovarian cancer. It is also used as part of prenatal screening tests. When Should You Do the AFP Test? Cancer Screening: The AFP test is mainly used in individuals at high risk of developing liver cancer, such as those with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. It is also a marker for testicular and ovarian cancers. Monitoring Cancer Treatment: AFP levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatments and to check for cancer recurrence after treatment. Prenatal Testing: During pregnancy, AFP is part of screening tests that help detect neural tube defects or chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. What to Do Before the Test? No Special Preparations: Generally, no fasting or other special preparations are required for the AFP test. Follow Doctor's Instructions: Your healthcare provider may give specific instructions based on your health condition and medical history. Why is this Test Important? AFP testing is crucial for early cancer detection, especially liver cancer, in high-risk individuals. It also plays an essential role in monitoring cancer progression and recurrence, making it a key tool in personalized cancer treatment plans.

What is CA 15-3? Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a protein that is produced by normal and cancerous cells. It is primarily used as a tumor marker for breast cancer and is helpful in monitoring treatment and detecting recurrences. When Should You Do the CA 15-3 Test? Breast Cancer: This test is most often used for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer to assess the response to treatment or detect cancer recurrence. It is not typically used for early detection or screening in the general population. Metastatic Breast Cancer: Elevated levels of CA 15-3 are often associated with metastatic breast cancer, where cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Monitoring: CA 15-3 is used in combination with other diagnostic tools like imaging studies to follow the progress of cancer treatment. What to Do Before the Test? No Special Preparations: The CA 15-3 test generally does not require any specific preparations such as fasting or medication adjustments. Follow Doctor’s Advice: Depending on the patient’s medical history, the healthcare provider might give specific instructions for optimal test accuracy. Importance of the Test CA 15-3 is an important marker in managing breast cancer. It helps healthcare providers evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, track the progression of the disease, and detect potential recurrences early. However, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool for cancer and should be used alongside other tests.

What is CA 19-9? Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein often produced by cancerous cells, primarily those in the pancreas, but also in the stomach, liver, and bile ducts. CA 19-9 is commonly used as a tumor marker, particularly in pancreatic cancer, to help detect and monitor the disease. When Should You Do the CA 19-9 Test? Pancreatic Cancer: The CA 19-9 test is primarily used for diagnosing and monitoring pancreatic cancer. It helps evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatments and track disease progression. Biliary or Gallbladder Disease: CA 19-9 can also help detect cancers of the bile ducts or gallbladder and is sometimes used to monitor the treatment of these diseases. Gastrointestinal Disorders: In some cases, elevated CA 19-9 levels may indicate gastrointestinal conditions, such as liver disease, but it is not used for screening the general population. What to Do Before the Test? No Special Preparations: Generally, no specific preparations are required before taking the CA 19-9 test. Follow Doctor’s Instructions: Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may provide specific guidelines before the test. Why is this Test Important? The CA 19-9 test is valuable in monitoring cancer treatment, particularly for pancreatic cancer, and in detecting recurrences after treatment. Although not a definitive diagnostic tool, it provides crucial insights when combined with other diagnostic methods.

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia.

What is CA 125? CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer, most notably ovarian cancer. It can also be elevated in other conditions, both cancerous and non-cancerous. This test is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in ovarian cancer and detect recurrence, as well as for other cancers like endometrial, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancers. When Should You Do the CA 125 Test? Ovarian Cancer Monitoring: If a person has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the CA 125 test helps in assessing the response to treatment and monitoring for any recurrence. Screening in High-Risk Individuals: For women with a family history of ovarian cancer or those at high risk, the CA 125 test may be part of regular screenings, although it’s not recommended as a standalone screening test. Symptomatic Evaluation: It may also be performed if a woman presents symptoms like pelvic pain, bloating, or abnormal bleeding, which can be associated with ovarian cancer. What to Do Before the Test? No Special Preparations: Typically, no fasting or specific preparations are needed before taking the CA 125 test. Inform Your Doctor: Always inform your healthcare provider of any medications or medical conditions, as certain conditions, such as menstruation, pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease, can affect CA 125 levels. Importance of the Test The CA 125 test is a valuable tool for monitoring ovarian cancer treatment and recurrence. It’s not considered accurate enough for early detection in the general population, but it provides essential information about the progression or remission of ovarian cancer when combined with other diagnostic methods, such as imaging studies.