Ca 153

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Lovebug
Lovebug Member Posts: 1
edited April 2016 in Waiting for Test Results

Hello,

Sorry to be another worry wart but I just watched my grandma go through a year long battle. Went to her surgery took her to every chemo appt, radiation, and onc surgeon.

All 3 of her sisters have gone through breast cancer. One miraculously, only had a mastectomy and refused further treatment and hasn't had a scare in over 15 years.

Anyway. .. since I'm too young for a mammogram, 28 years old, and the doctor felt a lump and sent me to a specialist, I was given the option to take a test (spit in a cup? ) but my insurance wouldn't cover it. So I got a cancer maker test instead which was less expensive. My ca 153 was 20. I was just wondering, even though it's in the normal range, wouldn't the level be even lower?

I just moved to a new military installation and my new pcm also felt a lump and gave me a referral to radiology for an ultrasound but I don't know when I'll be able to get a babysitter and my husband is training. Should I be concerned at all? Or am I a hypochondriac?


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  • Momof6littles
    Momof6littles Member Posts: 184
    edited April 2016

    Hi Lovebug,

    I know nothing about the cancer marker test. But I can tell you that I found a lump at 27, right when my mom was going through breast cancer metastasis. I was given an ultrasound and it was dismissed as a fibroadenoma. A couple years later I was still concerned because it was bigger. So at 32, because of family history, they removed it. It was indeed a fibtoadenoma. The good news is that most lumps end up being benign. But if you are concerned, ask for other imaging. Ultrasound and MRI are both available and don't use radiation.

    I'm of the opinion that you are never a hypochondriac when it comes to breast monitoring. It never hurts to look closer to be sure it's nothing. Early is better and you are your own best advocate. Try not to worry, but follow up and ask questions if you feel (are concerned) that there is more to find out.

    Wishing you the best.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited April 2016

    A result of 20 on the CA15-3 test is squarely within the normal range. The upper range of normal is 30.

    As an example, when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer my CA125 was in the upper 800s when normal is less than 35.

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited April 2016

    Lovebug....please keep in mind most lumps are benign. The cancer marker test you got is completely different than the genetic testing you didn't get. The cancer marker test is to test whats going on now. However most docs don't count on their reliability. The genetic testing is to see if you have any family predisposition to breast cancer for now or any other time in the future. hat being said I would not at all be concerned about the cancer marker number. Normal is normal! Also I do think any breast lump should be diagnosed. Remember the odds are on you side for good results! Good luck and keep us posted....

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