CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) Test for Breast Cancer

The CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) Test measures the levels of a protein called CA 15-3 Test in the blood. CA 15-3 is a protein that is produced in normal breast cells.

CA 15-3 Test

Here are the basic details for CA 15-3 Test.

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

CA 15-3 Test Full Form

Full Form of CA 15-3 Test is Cancer Antigen 15-3 Test.

CA 15-3 Test Means

The CA 15-3 Test measures the levels of a protein called CA 15-3 Test in the blood.

• CA 15-3 is primarily used as a tumor marker, particularly for breast cancer.
• Elevated levels of CA 15-3 may indicate the presence of breast cancer, but it is not diagnostic on its own and requires further evaluation by healthcare professionals.
• The test is often used to monitor the response to treatment and detect cancer recurrence in individuals with known breast cancer.

Interesting Facts about Breast Cancer

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounting for a significant portion of cancer diagnoses.
• Although rare, breast cancer can also affect men, with an estimated 1% of breast cancer cases occurring in males.
• Early detection through regular breast self-exams, mammograms, and clinical screenings can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment and survival.

CA 15-3 Test Purpose

Here are the purposes of the CA 15-3 Test.

• The CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) Test is primarily used as a tumor marker for breast cancer.
• It helps in monitoring the response to treatment in individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.
• The test is also used for surveillance and early detection of cancer recurrence in patients previously treated for breast cancer.
• CA 15-3 levels can provide additional information about the extent or stage of breast cancer, although it is not diagnostic on its own.
• In some cases, the CA 15-3 Test may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted therapies in breast cancer treatment.

CA 15-3 Test Preparation

Here's the CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) Test preparation before, during, and after the test:

Before Test

• There is typically no special preparation required before the CA 15-3 Test.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect the test results.
• Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider regarding fasting or specific dietary restrictions, if applicable.

During Test

• The CA 15-3 Test is a blood test that involves the collection of a blood sample.
• A healthcare professional will clean the site (usually the arm) with an antiseptic and insert a needle to draw blood.
• The blood sample will be collected in a vial or test tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

After Test

• Once the blood sample is collected, you can resume your normal activities.
• There are typically no specific post-test instructions or restrictions.
• Your healthcare provider will inform you about when and how you will receive the test results and any follow-up appointments or discussions that may be necessary.

Summary

The CA 15-3 Test requires no special preparation, involves a blood sample collection, and has no specific post-test instructions.

CA 15-3 Test  Procedure

Here's the CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) Test procedure.

• The CA 15-3 Test is a blood test performed by a healthcare professional.
• You will be asked to sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
• The healthcare professional will clean the area, usually the inner elbow or back of the hand, with an antiseptic.
• They will then apply a tourniquet above the site to make the veins more visible.
• A needle will be inserted into a vein, and a small amount of blood will be drawn into a vial or test tube.
• Once an adequate sample is collected, the needle will be removed, and a sterile cotton ball or bandage will be applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
• The blood sample will be labeled and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• You may experience a slight pinch or prick during the needle insertion, but the procedure is generally quick and relatively painless.

CA 15-3 Test Result

When interpreting CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) Test results, it's important to keep the following points in mind:

• CA 15-3 levels can be elevated in various conditions, not just breast cancer, so further diagnostic tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
• An elevated CA 15-3 levels may indicate the presence of breast cancer or cancer recurrence, but it is not diagnostic on its own and should be evaluated in conjunction with other clinical findings.
• Conversely, a normal CA 15-3 level does not guarantee the absence of breast cancer, as some individuals with cancer may have normal levels or other markers may be more informative in their case.

CA 15-3 Test Report

CA 15-3 Test Report PDF

CA 15-3 Test Normal Report

CA 15-3 Normal Test Report PDF Format

CA 15-3 Test Normal Result Report PDF

CA 15-3 Test Abnormal Report

CA 15-3 Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

CA 15-3 Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

CA 15-3 Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range for CA 15-3 Test (Cancer Antigen 15-3).

CA 15-3 Test Interpretation

Interpretation of CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) Test results can vary depending on the individual's medical history, the presence of cancer, and other factors.

CA 15-3 Test High Levels

Here are the potential causes of CA 15-3 Test High Levels.

CA 15-3 Test Low Levels

Here are the potential causes of CA 15-3 Test Low Levels.

Summary

High values of CA 15-3 Test (Cancer Antigen 15-3) may indicate breast cancer or other conditions, while low values are generally considered within the normal range.

Specimen Requirements For CA 15-3 Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the CA 15-3 Test.

CA 15-3 Test is Safe?

The CA 15-3 Test is generally considered safe and is a routine blood test performed in a clinical laboratory setting.

• It involves a standard blood draw procedure, which carries minimal risks such as temporary discomfort, bruising, or very rarely, infection at the site of needle insertion.
• There are no known serious or significant risks associated with the CA 15-3 Test itself, and any potential risks are generally related to the blood draw process rather than the specific test.

When Do You Get CA 15-3 Test Results?

The turnaround time for CA 15-3 test results can vary depending on the laboratory performing the analysis and the specific testing methods used.

• In most cases, it takes a few days to receive the test results, typically within 1-3 days after the blood sample is collected.
• The exact timing may also depend on various factors, including the laboratory's workload, the need for additional testing or confirmatory tests, and the method of result deliver

CA 15-3 Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the CA 15-3 Test.

• CA 15-3 Test (Cancer Antigen 15-3) t has limitations and should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for breast cancer.
• CA 15-3 levels can be elevated in non-cancerous conditions such as liver disease, benign breast conditions, and certain infections.
• The test is more useful for monitoring treatment response or detecting recurrence in patients already diagnosed with breast cancer.
• False-positive and false-negative results can occur, necessitating further evaluation and additional diagnostic tests.
• Clinical assessment and imaging studies are essential for the accurate diagnosis and management of breast cancer, in addition to the CA 15-3 test.

CA 15-3 Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factors for elevated CA 15-3 Test (Cancer Antigen 15-3) levels include:

• Previous diagnosis of breast cancer
• Advanced stage of breast cancer
• Larger tumor size
• Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
• Infections or inflammation in the breast

Doctor Recommendations After CA 15-3 Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after CA 15-3 Test.

CA 15-3 Test Price

Here are the estimated CA 15-3 Test Price in India with top different cities:

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, CA 15-3 Test is a safe and reliable blood test used as a tumor marker primarily for breast cancer, helping in monitoring treatment response and detecting cancer recurrence. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

• CA 15-3 Test - Wikipedia [1].
• Correlation of CA 15-3 Test (CA15-3) serum level and bony metastases in breast cancer patients NIH [2].