CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer)
CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer)
CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer) test is done to measure the amount of carbohydrate antigen (CA 72-4) in the blood. CA 72-4 acts as a serum tumour marker for the diagnosis of gastric cancer. However, elevated levels of this marker are also found in other malignancies such as lung cancer.
Thus, getting your CA 72-4 test done can help in the early detection and treatment of gastric cancer
Symptoms Of Gastric (Stomach) Cancer
Unexplained weight loss
Severe abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Vomiting blood
Tarry (dark and sticky) stool
Difficult or painful swallowing
What Is a CA 72-4 Test Used For?
CA 72-4 test is done in individuals who are suffering from:
Gastric cancer
Lung cancer
Liver cirrhosis
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer) test. Make sure your doctor is aware about the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements you might be taking. Ask your doctor about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions carefully
Interpretation of the Test Results
Normal range of CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer) is < 6.9 unit/mL (U/mL).
Deviations from normal levels indicate the following:
Elevated levels of CA 72-4 do not necessarily confirm the presence of gastric cancer. This is because other medical conditions, such as gastric ulcers, gastric polyps, and atrophic gastritis, can also lead to higher-than-normal levels of CA 72-4. To obtain a reliable diagnosis for gastric cancer, it is essential to combine this test with other tumor-associated antigen (TAA) tests, such as CEA, CA 125, etc
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer) test?
Risks associated with this test are slight. There may be slight bruises or tenderness around the area where the needle was inserted. This usually resolves on its own in a few hours or a couple of days
How is the CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer) test performed?
This test requires a small quantity of blood to be drawn by inserting a fine needle in a vein in the arm. The entire process is over within 5 minutes
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer) complement test?
The test results of CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer) are usually available within 3 working days after the collection of the blood sample. However, this duration may vary depending upon the diagnostic clinic
Can stage 4 gastric cancer be cured?
At Stage 4, most cancers are incurable. The same applies for gastric cancer wherein most gastric cancer treatments are only palliative and meant to reduce pain and provide comfort to the patient as opposed to eliminating the disease
What is the function of CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer)?
CA 72-4 (Gastric Cancer) acts as a tumour marker for various human adenocarcinomas. It has good specificity for gastric cancer and can be used to identify relapses of the disease as well
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics