Elevated CA 15-3

cydz- My tumor marker test also came back high after my mx it was 37 he told me it was not uncommon for it to change one way or the other also said that he felt better knowing it was below 38- I have also so heard they are not always accurate- I hear the concern in your posts, and know you are worried, but im glad your onc is keeping an eye out for you, sounds like you are in good hands, hopefully your scores will come down after you heal- sending prayers and good wishes your way Hope your healing and feeling better

Hugs,

Debbie

Hi Cydz,

I'm sure it is unnerving, but try not to worry too much.  Whe tumor markers are elevated for cancer, they are usually off the charts (like in the 100's or 1,000s).  If you dig around on the boards you'll see that lots of oncologists don't even use tumor markers because they are so unreliable.  From what I understand, all sorts of non-cancer-things can cause slightly elevated results.  Good luck!

My doctor says it is a very non-specific test and the numbers will jump around....he would just get worried if there was a LARGE jump from one reading to another. I wouldn't be worried from 27 to 35; next time it might be 20 (and the next time 30 etc.).

Hi Cydz,

We're in the same boat - 6 months ago my CA 15-3 was 19 and now it's 45. My onc wants me to repeat the test in a month and have a bone scan in the meantime.  I feel great and don't have any weird symptoms or pain.  My mammo looks clear, but with dense breasts I guess something could be hiding in there.  

I almost can't believe I'm here again.  I was just starting to not worry so much about the possibility of recurrence.  I'm finding that I either feel sick to my stomach or refuse to think about it.  It's going to be a long month!

I hope the next two weeks go quickly for you and you get good news.

After reading the earlier posts, I probably shouldn't ask this question, but I would really like to hear what everyone thinks.  Should I be worried if my CA 15-3 went from 6.5 to 9.2 in a 6 month period of time???  I know it is in the normal range, but I am concerned that it changed at all.

My CA-15-3 was up over 30 and my onc threatened to discontinue testing for it if I was going to worry. So I just cut way back on my sugar intake to reduce systemic inflammation and it came down to 17 on the next 6 month check up results. 

My numbers have always run higher than normal - 31 to 38.  Sometimes it will go up a point or so and then down a point.  My doctor says that he will scan me at 50 but it appears I run higher than as my normal.

I'm not a doctor, but it doesn't sound alarmingly high.  It's supposed to be <30 U/mL  Definitely a question for your doctor.  Tumor markers don't work for everyone, though.

Carol

From e: medicine: Hope this helps

Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is used to monitor response to breast cancer treatment and disease recurrence.

The reference range of serum CA 15-3 is less than 30 U/mL. The upper limit of the range varies depending on the laboratory and kit used for the test. Values obtained with different assay kits, methods, or laboratories cannot be used interchangeably.

MRT- good luck with your Pet scan. I'm glad your doctor is checking into things. Hopefully it will be clear. Keep us posted and while you wait try to find things you like to do to keep you occupied.

My blood ca 15.3 came 46.1U/ml 20 days after last chemo.  My MO asked to repeat the exam after 3 weeks

to confirm this number, but I will begin my radiotherapy next week. I am not sure if radiotherapy can alter the result of ca 15.3.

My blood ca 15.3 came 23.6 U/ml today.  I hope that was some effect of Neupogen or other chemo medication. I will talk with my MO next week.

Hello, new here, just Dx with BC that Mets and trying to understand labs, my CA 15-3 is 517.90 what does this mean? thank you

Well I have tried to find a CA 15-3 score that was like mine. I was diagnosed with Primary Breast Cancer in February 2013. Tumor was removed in May 2013. No node involvement. 4 treatments of basic Chemo - TC. That was it. Visited the Onc quarterly then his past June became 6 month visit. She mentioned on my next visit (11/2015 she would run the CA 15-3 to get a base line going. Imagine the Doctor's shock when my results we 2,972. I had no concept what that meant, but it led to a PET scan (my first one). It is in both hips , C2, C6, L1-L5 vertebrae, left clavicle, my skull. Okay so I will go for a second opinion. They had nothing to say except radiation can help with the pain. So I have been undergoing radiation to reduce the tumors. Oh I also had a biopsy of the L5 tumor to confirm it is breast cancer - it is. Today I am having a pity party. Got the results of my second CA 15-3. My number is 4,305 today.

Sailaway-

We want to welcome you to our community, although we wish it were under different circumstances. Hopefully you find the support you need here, and we second Kbeee, we hope the radiation is successful in shrinking the tumors!

The Mods