ca 15.3 (cancer antigen-breast 15.3) Test

Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) is a protein produced by a variety of cells, particularly breast cancer cells. There is an increased production of CA 15-3 in persons with cancerous breast tumors however CA 15.3 test is not specific for breast cancer because levels are also increased in patients with gastric, colorectal, lung, pancreas, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. CA 15.3 does not cause cancer.

24 to 36 Hours

CA 15-3 concentrations generally increase as the cancer spreads. The highest levels of CA 15.3 are observed when the cancer has spread to the bones and liver. CA- 15.3 test determines the cancer characteristics to monitor the response to treatment of invasive breast cancer and to watch for the recurrence of the disease.

Increasing concentrations of CA- 15.3 over time indicate that person is not responding to treatment or that the cancer is recurring.

Common symptoms are 

• Lumps that are painless, hard, and has uneven edges
• Breast pain
• Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
• Paget's disease of the breast
• Lump or mass in the breast
•  Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, nipple discharge other than breast milk and swelling of all or part of the breast.

Preparatory instructions before the test *:

No Fasting Required.
No other special preparations required.

Specimen type: Serum (Blood Sample)

Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture (Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)