Cancer marker profile-Ovarian-Comprehensive

The Cancer marker profile Ovarian-Comprehensive measures the CA125, CEA, AFP, HCG, LDH levels in the blood.

• The test along with other specialized tests is used for the initial screening of ovarian cancer cases.
• The profile tests can be used for monitoring treatment and relapse in patients with ovarian, uterine or even breast cancers. 
• The test may be used as a prognostic marker for survival following cancer surgeries or any ovarian or uterine surgeries.
• To know the stage of cancer as well as the metastasis status
• The test can help detect recurrence, metastasis and residual cancer: This may even include patients with a history of cancer of other organs like breast, lung, pancreas etc.

Ovarian cancer may initially present as:

• Abdominal pain with bloating
• Menstrual irregularities
• Weight fluctuations.
• Pelvic pain at times accompanied with back pain.
• Reproductive issues.

Certain high risk patients may also require testing:

• Patients already undergoing treatment for cancer.

• Patients who have completed the treatment to know the disease status.
• Familial history of cancers.
• Patients with inherited genetic components
• Patients with endometriosis (painful disorder of the lining of the uterus)
• Post hormone replacement therapies
• Early menopause patients.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

None.

CEA test

A gross increase of CEA in a patient with compatible symptoms are suggestive of the presence of cancer. The results of this test when done over an interval help monitor condition of the patient and his response to treatment.

CEA levels fall after successful treatment to normal levels in 1-4 months

Levels may increase in certain non-cancerous conditions like smoking, hepatic disease, trauma, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, COPD, Crohn's disease and hypothyroidism.

Patients should do a follow-up testing preferably through the same laboratory as different assays can give different result values on the same sample

CA 125 test

Levels may increase in certain non-cancerous conditions such as menstruation/ pregnancy/ uterine fibroids/ cirrhosis/ hepatitis/endometriosis/ PID.

Test results may be normal in patients with stage I of ovarian cancer.

CA-125 levels fall after successful treatment but continue to increase if there is progression and poor response to treatment

AFP-Alpha Feto Protein Test (AFP Test)

High AFP levels can be seen in hepatocellular carcinoma, non-seminomatous germ cell tumors and yolk sac tumors of the ovary. This test should not be used for diagnosis of cancer in isolation, as both false positive and negatives can occur.

HCG Beta Subunit Serum Test

High levels may occur in ovarian cancer.

False high or low levels may occur due to certain interferences by non-HCg substances.

LDH-Lactate Dehydrogenase Test

Many cancers cause a general increase in LDH levels or an increase in one of its isozymes. Moderate to very high increase in LDH levels is seen in certain carcinomas.

• CEA test
• CA 125 test
• AFP test
• HCG test
• LDH test

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein and its concentration in blood increases in certain tumours i.e., colorectal cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma, breast, gastrointestinal tract, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic and prostatic cancers.

It is often used for monitoring colorectal & gastrointestinal cancer patients and their response to treatment.

CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) is a protein expressed in the epithelium lining the body cavity.

Its concentration in blood increases in cancer of ovaries, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts as well as in some cases of endometriosis.

AFP is normally made by a foetal liver and yolk sac. The test is done as part of cancer diagnosis to know the liver or pancreatic involvement due to cancer.

Human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG] is a hormone produced by the placenta mainly during pregnancy. In patients with cancer or undergoing treatment these levels may be helpful in the diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), testicular tumors, ovarian germ cell tumors, teratomas, and, rarely, other human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-secreting tumors.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that is present in heart, liver, muscle and kidney tissues. It is used to screen for tissue damage along with other related tests like LDH isoenzymes. Many cancers cause a general increase in LDH levels or an increase in one of its isozymes.