The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
Also known as: AFP and AFP-L3%, AlphaFetoprotein AFP and AFPL3
Also known as: CA 125 Tumor Marker, CA-125, Cancer Antigen 125, OC125, Ovarian Antigen
Also known as: CA 153, CA-Breast, Cancer Antigen 15-3, Cancer Antigen-Breast
Also known as: CA 199, Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9
Also known as: Carcinoembryonic Antigen
The Cancer Screening - Women panel contains 5 tests with 6 biomarkers.
Brief Description: The Cancer Screening - Women Panel is a comprehensive set of blood tests designed to detect various cancer markers in women. This panel assesses levels of specific proteins that can be elevated in the presence of certain types of cancer. By measuring these markers, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into a patient's risk of having cancer, monitor the progression of the disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Serum
Test Preparation: No preparation required
The Cancer Screening - Women Panel may be ordered for women who are at an increased risk of cancer due to family history, genetic predisposition, or other risk factors. It may also be used to monitor patients who have been previously diagnosed with cancer, to assess the effectiveness of treatment, and to check for recurrence of the disease.
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that can be elevated in liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and in other cancers such as germ cell tumors. The AFP-L3 fraction is a specific subtype of AFP that is more closely associated with liver cancer. High levels of AFP and a high percentage of AFP-L3 can indicate the presence of liver cancer or germ cell tumors.
CA 125 is a protein that is often elevated in ovarian cancer. It can also be elevated in other conditions, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and during menstruation or pregnancy. Elevated levels of CA 125 can suggest the presence of ovarian cancer, especially in postmenopausal women or those with a family history of the disease.
CA 15-3 is a marker that can be elevated in breast cancer. It is not typically used for screening or diagnosis but can be helpful in monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence in women previously diagnosed with the disease.
CA 19-9 is most commonly associated with pancreatic cancer but can also be elevated in other gastrointestinal cancers, such as gallbladder and bile duct cancers. Elevated levels can indicate the presence of these cancers, particularly in individuals with symptoms or risk factors.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein that can be elevated in several types of cancer, including colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancers. It is primarily used to monitor treatment response and detect cancer recurrence rather than for screening or diagnosis.
The Cancer Screening - Women Panel can detect and monitor several types of cancer, offering critical information for early detection and management.
Ovarian Cancer
Characterized by the growth of cancerous cells within the ovary. Elevated CA 125 levels can suggest the presence of ovarian cancer, particularly in high-risk or symptomatic women.
Breast Cancer
The most common cancer in women, identified by the growth of malignant cells in breast tissue. CA 15-3 can help monitor treatment response and detect recurrence in previously diagnosed cases.
Liver Cancer
Including hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cancer involves malignant cell growth in the liver. High levels of AFP and AFP-L3 can indicate liver cancer.
Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Cancers
Pancreatic cancer arises in the pancreas, while gastrointestinal cancers can involve the gallbladder, bile ducts, and stomach. Elevated CA 19-9 levels can suggest the presence of these cancers.
Various Cancers Including Colorectal and Lung Cancer
CEA is elevated in several cancers, including colorectal and lung, and is used to monitor treatment effectiveness and detect recurrence.
Ovarian Cancer
Elevated CA 125 levels can lead to further diagnostic testing for ovarian cancer and, if diagnosed, to monitor treatment response and check for recurrence.
Breast Cancer
CA 15-3 is used to monitor treatment response and for recurrence detection in women previously diagnosed with breast cancer.
Liver Cancer
High AFP and AFP-L3 levels guide the diagnosis and monitoring of liver cancer, helping to evaluate treatment effectiveness and monitor for recurrence.
Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Cancers
Elevated CA 19-9 levels can indicate the need for further testing for pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers and monitor treatment response.
Various Cancers
Elevated CEA levels are used to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence in several cancers, including colorectal and lung cancers.
The Cancer Screening - Women Panel plays a crucial role in the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of various cancers in women. By measuring specific markers associated with different types of cancer, this panel provides valuable information that can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. Healthcare professionals can use these results to tailor treatment plans, monitor the effectiveness of therapies, and detect any recurrence of the disease, ultimately contributing to more personalized and effective cancer care.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.