Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Tumor markers
Tumor markers are substances made in excess in the body when cancer or a benign (harmless) condition is present. Tests done on blood or other body fluids can find tumor markers.
Some tumor markers can help the doctor diagnose certain cancers. And tumor markers often help the doctor track a person’s response to treatment. For example, a woman with ovarian cancer may have a high CA 125 level when she is first diagnosed. After treatment, her levels of CA 125 should fall. Then if her tumor marker level goes up in the future, it could mean that the cancer has come back.
Tumor markers include:
- Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 153). This is a marker for breast cancer.
- Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125). This is a marker for ovarian cancer.
- Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). This is a marker for gastrointestinal tract cancer, among others.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This is a marker for prostate cancer.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 15, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
