Breast Tissue Health Marker - CA 15-3 Tumor Marker Test

CA 15-3 analysis is a blood test used to measure the level of a protein known as cancer antigen 15-3, which is typically produced by cancerous cells in the breast. CA 15-3 is a biomarker that may indicate the presence of breast cancer, and it is primarily used to monitor patients who have already been diagnosed with this type of cancer. Although CA 15-3 levels may rise in cases of breast cancer, they can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions such as benign tumors, mastitis, and other medical issues. Therefore, this test is not used as a definitive diagnostic tool but is better used alongside other tests, such as mammography or biopsies. CA 15-3 testing is commonly recommended for patients who have undergone treatment for breast cancer to monitor treatment response and detect any potential recurrence of the disease. An elevated level of CA 15-3 may indicate disease progression, prompting further tests or treatments. The results of this test should be interpreted by a specialist within the context of the patient's medical history and clinical symptoms.