Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Cancer Risks and Alternatives

Q: Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Cancer Risks and Alternatives

Hello： CA72-4 is a tumor marker with high sensitivity but low specificity, and it may also be elevated in cases of gastritis. <br>Essentially, if you have undergone a gastroscopy and the results are normal, that is good. <br>Wishing you peace and health. <br>Sincerely, Dr. <br>Ch

The CA72-4 test index is elevated?

Hello! After the health check-up, it was found that this index is elevated at 10, while the normal index is less than 5.
I have read many reports stating that under normal circumstances, the index should not be elevated.
An elevated index is often associated with a higher probability of colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, or ovarian cancer, with descriptions indicating accuracy rates of 50%, 40%, etc., which inevitably raises concerns about the likelihood of cancer.
In such a high situation, does it equate to a high probability of being correct? In summary, I have many questions, but I also saw that the doctor briefly mentioned that an elevated index could also be due to inflammation or Helicobacter pylori issues, and not necessarily cancer.
Therefore, should I spend more money on more detailed tests, or should I wait for a while and return to the hospital for another check-up?

He Yi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/02/16

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: CA72-4 is a tumor marker with high sensitivity but low specificity, and it may also be elevated in cases of gastritis.
Essentially, if you have undergone a gastroscopy and the results are normal, that is good.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2014/02/16

More Info

Elevated levels of CA72-4 can indeed raise concerns about potential cancer risks, particularly regarding gastric, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. However, it's crucial to understand that CA72-4 is a tumor marker that is not specific to cancer. This means that while elevated levels can indicate the presence of malignancies, they can also be influenced by benign conditions, such as inflammation, infections, or other non-cancerous diseases.

CA72-4 is primarily associated with gastric cancer, but its sensitivity and specificity are not optimal. Research indicates that the sensitivity of CA72-4 for detecting gastric cancer is around 45%, with a specificity that can be quite low. This means that a significant number of patients with elevated CA72-4 levels may not have cancer, while some cancer patients may have normal levels. For instance, studies have shown that if CA72-4 levels exceed 20 U/ml, there is a 61% chance of gastric cancer, but this also implies that 39% of those with elevated levels may not have cancer at all. Additionally, benign conditions such as gastritis or infections like Helicobacter pylori can also lead to elevated CA72-4 levels.

Given your situation, where your CA72-4 level is 10 (above the normal range of less than 5), it's understandable to feel anxious about the implications. However, the presence of other normal tumor markers (like CEA, AFP, CA19-9, CA125, CA153, NSE) is a positive sign, suggesting that there may not be an immediate cause for concern regarding malignancies.
In terms of next steps, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your overall clinical picture. They may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as an endoscopy, especially if you have symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss. If you are experiencing symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this could also be a contributing factor to your elevated CA72-4 levels.
As for whether to spend money on further testing or wait for a follow-up, it largely depends on your symptoms and the advice of your healthcare provider. If you are asymptomatic and your doctor believes that the elevated CA72-4 is likely due to a benign condition, they might suggest monitoring your levels over time rather than rushing into more expensive tests.
In summary, while elevated CA72-4 levels can be concerning, they are not definitive for cancer diagnosis. It is essential to consider the broader clinical context, including symptoms, other test results, and potential benign causes. Regular follow-ups and consultations with your healthcare provider will help ensure that any necessary actions are taken based on your individual health status.

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