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CA15.3

Also known as Cancer antigen 15.3, Cancer Antigen-Breast
12881500 14% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Provide brief clinical history/doctor's prescription at the time of sample collection.

Understanding CA15.3


What is CA15.3?

The CA15.3 test measures the glycoprotein marker Cancer Antigen 15.3 in the blood. It is primarily used as a tumor marker for breast cancer. It is an important tool to monitor patients of breast cancer, to know treatment effectiveness in patients undergoing cancer treatment, and to monitor the relapse or metastasis status (spread to other parts of the body). 

CA15.3 is a glycoprotein marker that is raised in breast cancer and a few cases of carcinomas of the ovary, colon, pancreas, lung, and non-malignant conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, benign breast disease, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and liver disease. It can also be increased during pregnancy. It is noteworthy that CA15.3 does not cause cancer; rather, it is released by tumor cells, making it useful as a marker to trace the course of cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Although it can occur in both men and women, breast cancer is most prevalent in women. Usually, it involves rapid changes in the breast shape, color, etc. The breast cells grow at an abnormal rate in an individual affected by the disease. Early detection and monitoring are crucial for improving outcomes and survival rates.

The CA15.3 test is typically recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with advanced stages of the disease. This test is advised only to monitor cancer progression or response to treatment and not as a screening test because, at the initial stage of cancer, the CA15.3 level does not rise significantly. Their levels are highest when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. An increase in values in patients treated for breast cancer may indicate recurrent disease and require additional tests or procedures for work-up. Patients are advised to do follow-up testing preferably through the same laboratory as different assays can give different result values.

The CA15.3 is valuable in assessing how well an individual is responding to treatment. Further, this tumor marker test helps healthcare advisors determine whether a cancer is stable, growing, shrinking, or has relapsed.

Usually, no special preparation is needed before undergoing the CA15.3 test. However, it is important to provide a brief clinical history/ doctor's prescription at the time of sample collection. Additionally, tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you are taking as certain medications can affect your test results 

Reference ranges are approximate and may vary based on factors such as age, gender, medical history, etc. Moreover, patients with confirmed breast cancer may show normal CA 15.3 levels before treatment initiation. Hence the CA15.3 test, regardless of CA 15.3 levels, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for the presence or absence of malignant (that which can spread to other parts) cancer.

Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results.

What is CA15.3 used for?

The CA15.3 test is done: 

  • To check the progress of the disease and efficacy of the treatment if you are diagnosed with breast cancer
  • To check for further progress or recurrence of the cancer if you are treated for breast cancer.

 

What does CA15.3 measure?

The CA15.3 test measures the amount of Cancer Antigen 15.3 in your blood. It is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of individuals with breast cancer. Therefore, CA15.3 is an important tool in monitoring the progress of breast cancer treatment and checking for recurrence.

To make a precise diagnosis, healthcare advisors recommend the CA15.3 test results in conjunction with other blood tests and diagnostic imaging tests. Individuals undergoing the CA15.3 test should discuss the results with their healthcare provider to gain a comprehensive understanding of their cancer status and make informed decisions about their treatment plan.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CA15.3


Frequently Asked Questions about CA15.3

Q. What is the CA15.3 test?

The CA15.3 test is a blood test that measures the levels of a tumor marker CA 15.3 which can be elevated in individuals with breast cancer.

Q. Who should get the CA15.3 test?

Individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those undergoing treatment, should get the CA15.3 test. It can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and check for cancer recurrence.

Q. How is the CA15.3 test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the CA15.3 test?

No, the CA15.3 test is generally safe with minimal risks. However, you may feel slight discomfort during blood sample collection but chances of serious complications are extremely rare.

Q. How often should the CA15.3 test be done?

The frequency of the test depends on the stage of breast cancer and the treatment plan. Your doctor will recommend how often you should have this test.

Q. What does a high level of CA 15.3 indicate?

High levels of CA 15.3 can indicate the presence of breast cancer. However, levels can also be elevated due to other conditions. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and other test results.

Q. Can the CA15.3 test be used for early detection of breast cancer?

No, this test is not used for screening or early detection of breast cancer. It is used primarily for monitoring purposes in individuals who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Q. Can men get the CA15.3 test?

Yes, men can also develop breast cancer, although it is less common. Men diagnosed with breast cancer may also be monitored using the CA15.3 test.

Q. Which non-cancerous conditions can increase CA15.3 levels?

Other than breast cancer, health conditions like cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, pancreatitis, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and liver disease can increase CA 15.3 levels. They can also be increased during pregnancy.
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CA15.3 test price for other cities


Price inMumbaiRs. 1288
Price inNew DelhiRs. 1288
Price inBangaloreRs. 1288
Price inKolkataRs. 1288
Price inPuneRs. 1288
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References

  1. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 06 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=ca_15_3 External Link
  2. Cancer [Internet]. World Health Organization; 03 Feb. 2022 [Accessed 06 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer External Link
  3. Breast cancer [Internet]. Cancer Research UK: 18 Apr. 2023 [Accessed 06 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer External Link
  4. Breast cancer [Internet]. World Health Organization; 12 Jul. 2023 [Accessed 06 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWJqxG9n__ER7WAYODFoDuIh88SXCnhAX0DyjiqkOqKujoyCg8EkdNhoCuaoQAvD_BwE External Link
  5. What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Breast Cancer? [Internet]. CDC; 25 Jul. 2023 [Accessed 06 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/prevention.htm External Link
  6. Alkabban FM, Ferguson T. Breast Cancer. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482286/ External Link
  7. Fakhari A, Gharepapagh E, Dabiri S, Gilani N. Correlation of cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) serum level and bony metastases in breast cancer patients. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2019 Dec 19;33:142. [Accessed 06 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7137849/ External Link
  8. Ryu JM, Kang D, Cho J, Lee JE, Kim SW, Nam SJ, Lee SK, Kim YJ, Im YH, Ahn JS, Park YH, Kim JY, Lee H, Kang M, Yu JH. Prognostic Impact of Elevation of Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) in Patients With Early Breast Cancer With Normal Serum CA15-3 Level. J Breast Cancer. 2023 Apr;26(2):126-135. [Accessed 06 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10139845/ External Link
  9. Fu Y, Li H. Assessing Clinical Significance of Serum CA15-3 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Levels in Breast Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis. Med Sci Monit. 2016 Sep 6;22:3154-62. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5022658/ External Link

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