Learn about the role of the CA 72-4 test in cancer diagnosis

1. Concept and role of CA72-4 test

CA72-4 is the abbreviation for Cancer Antigen 72-4 or carbohydrate antigen 72-4, cancer antigen 72-4. This type of antigen can be found on cells in the ovaries, colon, pancreas, ... especially the gastric epithelium.

What is the CA 72-4 test?

The CA72-4 test is a test performed to check the concentration of cancer antigen 72-4 in the blood. The specificity and sensitivity of this test is about 60%. That is, in 100 patients diagnosed with stomach cancer, about 60 cases have CA 72-4 test results higher than normal.

CA 72-4 is important in the diagnosis of stomach cancer.

The role of CA 72-4 tumor marker test

CA72-4 test is important in diagnosing stomach cancer in the early stages when there are no symptoms or vague symptoms. In addition, CA72-4 marker test also helps detect ovarian cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, ... or some other benign diseases.

The CA 72-4 marker test is also prescribed by doctors to determine the stage, prognosis, monitoring and treatment of cancer. When the test results of the CA 72-4 antigen concentration in the blood are abnormal, the doctor will order the patient to perform other tests to give the most accurate conclusion.

2. Significance of CA 72-4 test in stomach cancer

If the CA 72-4 index in the blood is higher than normal, the patient is at high risk of cancer. In a healthy adult, the normal CA 72-4 value is always below 6.9UI/ml. To increase the diagnostic value, the CA 72-4 index is often combined with the CA 19-9 test. For patients with stomach cancer, the concentration of CA 72-4 antigen in the blood will vary depending on the stage.

Early stage

At this stage, testing plays an important role in guiding the diagnosis, the patient has no symptoms or the symptoms are still vague. The CA 72-4 index will usually be at a level of 7 UI/ml or higher. However, based only on the CA 72-4 test results, it is not possible to draw a definitive conclusion about the patient's health status.

Symptoms of early stage stomach cancer are often very vague.

Progression stage

When cancer has progressed to a severe stage, the CA 72-4 index increases rapidly, possibly above 100 IU/ml. At this stage, the symptoms of cancer are obvious. Without active treatment, the disease progresses rapidly in a negative direction and can lead to dangerous complications, including death.

Treatment monitoring

For patients undergoing cancer treatment, CA 72-4 testing is used to monitor the body's response.

The CA 72-4 marker test is indicated before surgery to monitor the growth of cancer cells. After surgery, about 1 - 2 weeks, this index will mostly return to normal values. The CA 72-4 index increases in about 70% of cases with patients who relapse after tumor removal surgery.

3. Notes before and after CA 72-4 testing

Before and after performing the CA 72-4 cancer marker test, you need to pay attention to the following issues:

• A high CA 72-4 blood test result does not necessarily mean that you have stomach cancer or some other type of cancer.
• Cases of mild increase in CA 72-4 index can also occur in people who regularly use stimulants, alcohol, beer, cigarettes, etc.
• If you have symptoms such as bloating or non-cyclical epigastric pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, unexplained weight loss in a short period of time, difficulty swallowing, etc., you should see a doctor for examination as soon as possible.
• People with a history of gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer or a family history of stomach cancer should have a CA 72-4 test for cancer.

CA 72-4 test is indicated when there are signs of suspected stomach cancer.

Currently, MEDLATEC Healthcare System is a reputable address that you can choose to perform CA 72-4 or cancer testing. The unit has nearly 30 years of experience operating in the medical field, owns a team of highly qualified doctors, a system of modern medical equipment, spacious facilities, ensuring to bring customers professional, quality medical services with public and transparent service costs.

In particular, MEDLATEC also owns the most modern Testing Center with a fully automated machinery system, large operating capacity capable of performing more than 2,000 tests from basic to advanced, managed and operated according to international standards with 2 certificates ISO 15189:2012 and CAP.

In addition, MEDLATEC is a pioneer in on-site sample collection services, helping customers save time traveling, waiting for samples and receiving results. Customers only need to arrange an appointment, MEDLATEC staff will come to the address provided to collect samples, preserve and transport them to the Testing Center. The entire process is carried out professionally and strictly according to the standards of the Ministry of Health.

The service fee will not change compared to the test performed at the facility, customers only need to pay an additional fee of 10,000 VND for one sample collection. All customer information will be kept absolutely confidential. Medical records are stored online, customers can look up anytime, anywhere.

MEDLATEC is a reputable provider of on-site sample collection and testing services.

For any information or to schedule a test or visit a specialist, please call the hotline 1900 56 56 56 for specific instructions from MEDLATEC 's operator.