What does a high cancer antigen mean?
If your CA 125 level is higher than normal, you may have a benign condition, or the test result could mean that you have ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer.
What is a cancer antigen number?
This test measures the amount of a protein called CA 19-9 (cancer antigen 19-9) in the blood. CA 19-9 is a type of tumor marker. Tumor markers are substances made by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer in the body. Healthy people can have small amounts of CA 19-9 in their blood.
What is a cancer antigen marker?
Tumor markers are substances found in higher-than-normal levels in the blood, urine, or tissues of some people with cancer. These substances, which are also called biomarkers, can be made by the tumor. They can also be made by healthy cells in response to the tumor.
What do CEA levels indicate?
CEA is a type of tumor marker. Tumor markers are substances made by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer in the body. A high level of CEA can be a sign of certain types of cancers. These include cancers of the colon and rectum, prostate, ovary, lung, thyroid, or liver.
What is considered a high tumor marker number?
Normal range: < 2.5 ng/ml. Normal range may vary somewhat depending on the brand of assay used. Levels > 10 ng/ml suggest extensive disease and levels > 20 ng/ml suggest metastatic disease.
What is the highest tumor marker?
Tumor marker levels may be higher when there is cancer in the body. They are not very “specific,” meaning non-cancer health issues can also cause these levels to be higher….Guide to Tumor Markers Used in Cancer.
| Tumor Marker | |
|---|---|
| Blood test (blood serum marker), except where noted. | |
| “Normal” Results | Normal : 0.5 to 1.9 u/l |
What is normal range for cancer antigen?
CA-125 (Cancer Antigen-125) Normal range: 0 – 35 U/mL.
What are normal cancer antigen levels?
The normal range for CA 125 is 0 to 35 units/ml. While a CA 125 level over 35 may indicate cancer, it does not always mean the person has cancer. A CA 125 level over 35 is only a potential indicator.
What is a high cancer marker number?
What happens if tumor markers are high?
High tumor marker levels can be a sign of cancer. Along with other tests, tumor marker tests can help doctors diagnose specific types of cancer and plan treatment. Tumor marker tests are most commonly used to do the following: Learn if a person has cancer.
What is a bad CEA level?
Compared to the median level of 26.8 ng/mL, patients with CEA levels of >69 ng/mL were at a significantly elevated risk for progression. In contrast, the progression risk appeared to be lower for patients with CEA levels lower than 26.8 ng/mL, but a significance level was not reached.
What is the highest CEA level?
Levels of CEA higher than 20 ng/mL are considered very high. If you have CEA levels this high and you also have symptoms of cancer, it strongly suggests the cancer has not been removed successfully after treatment. It may also suggest that the cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other parts of your body.