Breast Monitor Panel * CA 15.3 * CEA

About This Package

**CA 15-3** and **CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)** are tumor markers used in the monitoring and management of certain types of cancers. ### CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) **Definition:** CA 15-3 is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of individuals with breast cancer. It is a product of the MUC1 gene and is used primarily to monitor the treatment of breast cancer and detect recurrences. **Key Points:** - **Diagnostic Use:** CA 15-3 levels are measured to monitor the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment and to check for recurrence. - **Clinical Relevance:** High levels of CA 15-3 can indicate the presence of metastatic breast cancer. However, it can also be elevated in other conditions, such as ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and benign breast disease. ### CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) **Definition:** CEA is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and is normally produced during fetal development. After birth, its levels drop significantly and are typically low in healthy adults. Elevated CEA levels can indicate certain types of cancer. **Key Points:** - **Diagnostic Use:** CEA is primarily used to monitor colorectal cancer, but it can also be elevated in other cancers, including breast, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. - **Clinical Relevance:** Elevated CEA levels are used to monitor cancer treatment effectiveness and to check for cancer recurrence. It can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions such as inflammation, infection, and smoking. **Overall Significance:** Both CA 15-3 and CEA are important tumor markers that help in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of cancer. They provide valuable information about the presence and progression of cancer, aiding in the evaluation of treatment response and detection of recurrence. However, elevated levels of these markers should be interpreted with caution, as they can also be associated with non-cancerous conditions.

Included Tests & Parameters