What does CA153 mean?
Under normal circumstances, CA153 refers to cancer antigen 15-3, a large molecular weight glycoprotein antigen and one of the protein tumor markers. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely medical consultation at a hospital is recommended, along with standardized treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Cancer antigen 15-3 is a protein found in the blood and is commonly used as a tumor marker, especially in the diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer. It is a specific glycoprotein antigen that can be detected in the blood of patients with breast cancer. Elevated levels of cancer antigen 15-3 may also be associated with other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cervical cancer. In tumor cells, increased activity of proteases and sialidases on the cell membrane, along with disruption of the cytoskeleton, leads to shedding of glycan antigens from the cell surface. The carbohydrate portions of these shed antigens remain structurally stable and retain their antigenic determinants, making them easily identifiable by corresponding antibodies.
Cancer antigen 15-3 is usually used in combination with other tumor markers to improve diagnostic accuracy. If elevated cancer antigen 15-3 levels are detected during testing, further comprehensive medical evaluation and examination are necessary.