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How Reliable Is Tumor Marker Testing And Should We Be Alarmed
Question: My mother is a breast cancer survivor, stage 1 for ten years now. Her last CA 27 29 blood work showed a level of 43. She usually hovers around the high thirties about 8 months ago hit 45 then back down to 37. All other blood work was fine and physical exam was fine. My question is how reliable is tumor marker testing and should we be alarmed that something is going on in her body. She is scheduled to repeat bloodwork in early December.
Brief Answer:
False positive results are possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
CA27.29 is a recently introduced tumor marker for beast cancer.
It is fairly consistent with accurate with recurrence of tumours but false positive results are quite common. Additional investigations like mammogram or MRI may be required.
As the level is fairly consistent for a long period of time, no need to worry as of now.
Hope I have answered your query
False positive results are possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
CA27.29 is a recently introduced tumor marker for beast cancer.
It is fairly consistent with accurate with recurrence of tumours but false positive results are quite common. Additional investigations like mammogram or MRI may be required.
As the level is fairly consistent for a long period of time, no need to worry as of now.
Hope I have answered your query
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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