What does hCG tumor marker show in women? What tumors produce hCG. What hCG for oncology

Tumor markers are specific proteins or derivatives that are produced by cancer cells during their growth and development in the body. The tumor process promotes the production of a special kind of substances, which, by the nature of the functions they perform, are radically different from the substances produced by the normal body. In addition, they can be produced in quantities that significantly exceed the norm. During the analysis of the oncological process, these substances are detected. If oncology develops in the body, the number of tumor markers increases significantly; due to this circumstance, these substances prove the oncological nature of the disease. Depending on the nature of the tumor, tumor markers also differ.

If during blood tests the number of tumor markers is increased, then it is worth considering whether there is oncology in the body. This is a kind of express method that replaces many tests and allows you to determine with great accuracy which organ is currently malfunctioning. This is especially important for diagnosing the malignant nature of the tumor, which is characterized by rapid growth and metastasis. Oncologists also have specific tumor markers that are used as a reliable diagnosis. They are used for cancer of the larynx, stomach, breast, etc.

Discovery History

In Russia, liver cancer served as a model for the detection of tumor markers. When studying the protein composition of cancer cells, scientists thought that they would discover protein antigens of the virus that allegedly caused the disease. How surprised they were when they learned that the liver cancer marker is nothing more than AFP alpha-fetoprotein, which is normally produced by placental tissue during pregnancy. Over the years, it became clear that the amount of this protein is also increased in ovarian cancer. It was this marker that was first used to diagnose liver oncology and was widely introduced into medical practice.

So what are tumor markers for?

Tumor markers are represented by enzymes, proteins, hormones or antigens that are secreted only by specific cancer cells and are not similar to each other. Some tumors may produce several tumor markers, while others may produce only one. So, a marker such as CA19-9 indicates that the oncological process has affected the pancreas and stomach. And tests for tumor markers allow you to carefully monitor the tumor, evaluate the dynamics of both conservative and surgical treatment, their results and future prospects.

Tumor markers are determined in blood or urine. They get there as a result of the growth and development of the cancer cell, and sometimes during certain physiological conditions (for example, during pregnancy). There are two types of markers: the first has high specificity and characterizes each specific case, and the second can be used for a number of tumors. Identification of tumor markers can identify a high-risk group for cancer. It is also possible to identify the primary focus even before the start of the initial examination. It is also possible to predict a possible relapse of the disease or assess how effectively the operation was performed.

Most frequently identified tumor markers

There are cancer markers that are most often used for diagnosis. These include AFP alpha-fetoprotein, which is approximately elevated in 2/3 of those suffering from liver cancer; in 5% it can be elevated in ovarian and testicular cancer. Beta-2-microglobulin is also determined, which increases with the development of myeloma and some types of lymphomas (tumors of the hematopoietic system). Its quantity predicts the outcome of the disease; at a level above 3 ng/ml, it is not entirely favorable. Marker CA 15-3, CA 27.29 indicates the development of breast cancer. As the disease progresses, its amount increases; it is also determined in some other diseases.

The standard marker for ovarian cancer is CA 125, which rises above 30 ng/ml. But it can also be present in healthy women, as well as in the presence of endometriosis, with effusion in the pleural or abdominal cavity, with lung cancer or with previous cancer.

Carcinoid embryonic antigen indicates the development of colorectal cancer, but also characterizes cancer of the lung or mammary glands, thyroid gland, liver, bladder, cervix or pancreas. And what’s most surprising is that it can also occur in healthy smokers. This marker is not specific, but tissue polypeptide antigen is characteristic only of lung cancer.

Method of determination

A tumor, be it malignant or benign, produces special proteins in the body. They can only be detected by examining body fluids, but AFP alpha-fetoprotein allows one to suspect cancer of the liver, testicles or ovaries (embryonic cancers), as well as lung or breast cancer. But it can also be increased in case of liver pathology (cirrhosis, hepatitis) or kidneys, and during pregnancy, its increased amount can cause fetal defects. For the study, fluid is taken from the pleura, amniotic sac, abdominal cavity (ascitic fluid) or blood.

Prostate-specific antigen requires blood or serum, and often prostate juice or urine is taken for testing. It can also be used to search for tumor markers of bladder or urethral cancer, as well as kidneys; blood will also be needed for the study.

Often, it is blood and urine, due to their greatest availability, that make it possible to isolate tumor markers, which are determined through complex biochemical studies and reactions that are performed in the laboratory. You can always find out the norm or deviation from it from your doctor.

The most common types of cancer and tumor markers

Most common types

In 2/3 of patients, AFP alpha-fetoprotein often increases, which is a tumor marker of liver cancer and increases as the tumor process grows. In addition, this tumor marker of liver cancer increases in acute and chronic hepatitis, and sometimes in ovarian or testicular cancer, but this category of patients accounts for no more than 5%.

With the development of multiple myeloma or lymphomas, beta - 2 - microglobulin is determined and it is this tumor marker that is prognostic for survival.

The presence of CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 indicates breast cancer, but at the initial stage of the disease they exceed the norm slightly. As it progresses, the rate increases.

CA 125 indicates ovarian cancer and is elevated in most patients; it is this tumor marker of ovarian cancer that allows a preliminary diagnosis to be made at the stage of medical examination. But it can also be elevated in other gynecological diseases or lung cancer, as well as in cancer survivors. CA 72-4 and LASA-P are also detected as a marker of ovarian cancer, but they can also be present in gastrointestinal oncology.

CA 19-9 is characteristic of damage to the pancreas, as well as with the effectiveness of treatment. This marker may increase in cases of intestinal or bile duct cancer.

The level of blood sampling to identify tumor markers should be:

Taking blood for tumor markers

during the first year after treatment, 1 time per month;
during the second year after treatment, once every two months;
during the third year after treatment 1 time;
over the next 3–5 years - twice a year, and then annually.

In this regard, it should be noted that deviations in the levels of one or more tumor markers in tumor diseases occur in% of patients with cancer, but this does not always indicate that an increase in the concentration of cancer markers leads to an increase in tumor.

Norm and interpretation of tumor markers

PSA – prostate-specific antigen, prostate tumor marker

In the blood of men, determination of the level of this antigen should be done after reaching 40 years of age, especially those who had even slight hyperplasia of the prostate gland (prostate). An increased level of antigen to high numbers clearly indicates prostate cancer. However, it can also be increased in cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy), prostatitis, and trauma to the prostate gland.

PSA norm – in blood –<4 нг / мл

Calcitonin and thyroglobulin

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and thyroglobulin is a protein produced by the thyroid gland. These two compounds are markers of thyroid cancer. Having monitored the level of people who have benign thyroid nodules, we can say that no increase was detected in them.

AFP alpha-fetoprotein

AFP alpha-fetoprotein is a tumor marker that is a glycoprotein of fetal cells. Its level is mainly increased in pregnant women and newborns. In other cases, the interpretation of increased AFP most likely implies a primary cancer (not as a result of metastasis of another type of cancer) of the liver. This type may be increased in such cases if there are liver diseases, i.e. hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver toxicity and inflammatory bowel disease.

The norm is 0-10 IU/ml. An increase in AFP above 400 E indicates cancer.

AFP and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Elevated levels of AFP and hCG are characteristic of embryonal or ovarian cancers. It may also be elevated during pregnancy, marijuana use, liver cirrhosis, testicular failure, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Norm<2,5 Ед / мл

CA 15-3 – breast tumor marker

CA 15-3 - this type of marker usually increases in breast cancer (without increasing in the early stages), as well as in lung cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and bladder cancer. It can be increased in liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis), lupus, tuberculosis, and non-cancerous diseases of the breast.

Norm<31 Ед / мл

SA 19-9

CA 19-9 - this tumor marker is mainly elevated in cancer of the pancreas, colon and rectum, liver, stomach, gall bladder, and bile ducts. In such cases, where there is pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation or obstruction of the biliary tract, it may increase.

Normal in blood<37 Ед / мл

CA 125

CA 125 – This type of marker is common in diseases such as ovarian, breast, colon and rectal, uterine, cervical, pancreatic, liver and lung cancers. It has properties to increase during pregnancy and menopause, the presence of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, peritonitis, pleurisy, after surgery or puncture of the abdominal cavity.

Normal 0-35 U/ml

It should be noted that there are two types of reasons for conducting analysis for the CA 125 tumor marker. They are:

diagnosis of ovarian pathology, screening of neoplasms;
Diagnosed pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

If the CA 125 tumor marker is present, the decoding indicates oncopathology or somatic pathology.

With an increased level of this tumor marker, the decoding identifies the following oncological pathological processes as:

An increased concentration of the tumor marker CA 125 may indicate a somatic pathology:

Endometriosis;
Inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages;
Cystic formations of the ovaries;
Pleurisy, peritonitis;
Liver cirrhosis, chronic forms of hepatitis;
Chronic pancreatitis;
Autoimmune pathology.

CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) or PEA

CEA is a marker for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, pancreas cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, as well as some tumors of the thyroid gland, cervix, ovaries, and liver. An increase in tumor marker is affected by smoking, pancreatitis, hepatitis, intestinal inflammation, gastrointestinal ulcers, hypothyroidism, liver cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive process of the biliary tract.

Standard for non-smokers<2,5 нг / мл, для курильщиков <5 нг / мл

An increase in level above 100 ng/ml indicates metastatic cancer.

Tests for tumor markers

To ensure that the test does not give a false positive result or is not negative in the presence of cancer, you should adhere to certain rules before taking it.

You can find out more detailed information from your doctor, because each specific tumor marker requires its own preparation. So, before taking the test, you should not eat food, and donate blood on an “empty stomach.” A person’s last consumption of food should be no earlier than 8, and better than 12, hours before blood sampling. The food also contains protein, which, when entering the bloodstream, can lead to a false positive result.

The analysis for tumor markers, like all others, is best done in the morning; the optimal time is before 11 o’clock. An important aspect is also considered that three days before the test you should not drink alcoholic beverages. Also, during the same period of time, it is necessary to refrain from consuming fatty foods and not subject your body to excessive physical activity. And on the day of delivery it is best not to smoke. It is also not advisable to consume medications, and if it is impossible to refuse them, then you should inform your doctor about this. A week before taking the test for tumor markers, you must abstain from sexual intercourse.

Monitoring tumor markers in cancer treatment

Tumor markers play a very important role in cancer therapy. Specialists who monitor changes in the levels of specific tumor markers can also monitor the results of patient treatment.

Here's an example: During chemotherapy or radiation therapy for various forms of cancer, there is a rapid increase in the level of tumor markers. And this does not mean that the cancer is getting worse. On the contrary, it signals tumor lysis. When the tumor decomposes, there is a sudden explosion of these substances in the blood test. And after treatment, the doctor continues to monitor the level of markers, which, together with other tests, help assess the patient’s health status.

What question should you ask your doctor after conducting a blood (urine) test for tumor markers?

Naturally, after a person visits a doctor, natural questions should arise that are worth asking. If there are no questions, then you can ask the most common ones and get an answer that will satisfy your initial interest.

The first thing that any patient should be interested in is whether the level of tumor markers is increased in a particular type of cancer or not? If there is an increase, then for which tumor marker and what could this mean for further diagnosis, as well as prognosis for the development of the disease? If you have oncology and have been tested for markers, is it necessary to adjust the prescribed treatment or what is available is quite effective? It is also necessary to have information about how often to get tested for tumor markers.

There is no need to be shy about asking questions; in some cases they will help save lives, as well as early diagnose such a formidable disease as cancer, which is on the list of leaders in the number of human lives.

HCG and its role in the diagnosis of cancer - transcript of tests on Oncoforum

This compound protects the embryo from the hostile reaction of the mother's immune system and promotes the production of hormones necessary to maintain pregnancy. After 8-10 weeks, when the placenta is formed, hCG gradually decreases and after 20 weeks remains at the same level until birth.

To monitor the level of hCG, there are special tables that show its amount depending on the stage of pregnancy. And if there is any deviation from these data, it is worth conducting a more detailed examination so as not to miss possible complications or neoplasms.

In non-pregnant women and men, hCG is produced in small quantities in the pituitary gland (the part of the brain involved in hormonal regulation of the body) and in immature epithelial cells. The normal content of hCG in human serum is up to 5 IU/ml and up to 10 IU/ml in postmenopausal women, however, in some diseases (and cancer in particular), the level of gonadotropin may change in one direction or another.

What can a low hCG level indicate?

Low hCG levels will only be a warning sign in pregnant women. If the level of gonadotropin in pregnant women is lower than expected at the appropriate time, this may be a reason for a thorough examination, since such a decrease in hCG occurs in some pathologies of pregnancy and the fetus. In non-pregnant women and men, a negative hCG test result is normal.

Reasons for increasing hCG levels

HCG is elevated in all cases of hydatidiform mole. This disease, which affects only women, is characterized by the fact that the chorionic villi formed during pregnancy begin to grow too actively, turn into cysts filled with fluid, and produce huge amounts of hCG. With hydatidiform mole, the hCG level is increased approximately five times compared to normal. After surgical removal, it returns to normal more slowly than after childbirth.

An increase in hCG levels is also observed in chorionic carcinoma. This pathology very often occurs after a hydatidiform mole or medical abortion. Chorionepithelioma cells can also produce hCG, which will be one of the criteria for diagnosing the disease.

In men with testicular cancer, hCG is also determined. This is due to the fact that the neoplasm contains embryonic tissues, which produce this tumor marker.

In ovarian cancer and uterine cancer, cells that produce hCG may be present. In particular, this will occur with germ cell tumors.

However, hCG will be a specific tumor marker not only for neoplasms of the reproductive system. Its level will increase in certain types of cancer of the liver, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, large and small intestines, and lung, which will be associated with the production of hCG by the germ cells that make up these types of cancers. In addition, gonadotropin will be increased in pregnancy diabetes.

Preparation for analysis and method for determining hCG

HCG levels are determined in blood serum and urine. To study hCG in serum, it is necessary to take venous blood for analysis. There are some rules for correctly completing this analysis.

Firstly, blood must be donated for hCG on an empty stomach, preferably after an eight-hour fast, in the morning.

Secondly, you should stop taking any medications one to two weeks before taking the test, as some drugs can affect the level of hCG in the blood.

And fourthly, the day before taking blood, you must avoid fatty and fried foods.

To determine hCG in blood serum and urine, an immunochemical method is used, which consists of adding a substance with antibodies to hCG to the serum or urine containing a tumor marker. These antibodies form chemical compounds with antigens (hCG), which are subsequently detected in the laboratory. It is worth noting that blood serum contains compounds that lead to possible false-positive and false-negative test results. These compounds may react with antibodies instead of hCG, which will lead to examination errors. Therefore, in doubtful cases, for diagnosis and monitoring (observation) of patients with neoplasms, the level of gonadotropin in the urine is determined.

The role of hCG in the diagnosis of cancer

HCG has 100% sensitivity in the diagnosis of germ cell tumors, chorionic carcinomas and various types of neoplasms of the genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract arising from germ cells.

The level of gonadotropin during hydatidiform mole is increased by 3-5 times, and it will not decrease after the 10th week of pregnancy, remaining at a high level. After removal of the hydatidiform mole, hCG will gradually decrease, but its level will need to be monitored for some time to exclude the development of chorionic carcinoma. Also, to exclude the appearance of malignant processes, hCG is determined 40 days after the abortion.

The tumor marker is also suitable for diagnosing testicular cancer and distinguishing it from a benign disease - epididymitis.

The hCG test is used in combination with other diagnostic methods and other tumor markers (ultrasound, MRI, SCT, X-ray and others). The human chorionic gonadotropin test is used to monitor those patients who are already receiving treatment or have received it in the past. In this way, their condition is monitored and the further course of the disease is predicted. In this case, the higher the tumor marker level, the worse the prognosis. A negative hCG will mean successful cure of the disease. After treatment, hCG may increase with relapse of the disease or metastasis. However, an increase in gonadotropin may also indicate tumor disintegration.

For better monitoring of patients, an hCG test must be taken 2-3 weeks after tumor removal, then at least once a month during the first year and at least once every 4 months in subsequent years.

In pregnant women, by determining the level of hCG, it is possible to determine deviations in fetal development, threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and also monitor patients after a medical abortion to exclude complications.

Elevated gonadotropin in blood serum and urine is one of the most reliable signs of the presence of cancer. The determination of this tumor marker, together with some others (for example, AFP), is widely used to diagnose malignant processes and their relapses.

Chorionic gonadotropin can detect cancer in 100% of cases of cancer arising from germ cells and trophoblastomas, cure 95% of patients without metastases and 83% of patients with metastases.

HCG tumor marker - Human chorionic gonadotropin, its norm and interpretation

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone secreted normally by the cells of the female reproductive system (in negligible quantities) and, mainly, by the cells of the chorion, an embryonic organ that provides communication between the fetus and the mother’s body. The main function of human chorionic gonadotropin in the body of a pregnant woman is to stimulate the release of large quantities of another hormone - progesterone. It, in turn, ensures the normal course of pregnancy.

An analysis to determine the level or presence of human chorionic gonadotropin in various biological fluids (mainly in blood and urine) is very widespread - suffice it to say that the well-known pregnancy test consists of determining the presence of this hormone in the urine. Most detection methods are not aimed at binding hCG molecules, but only their parts - the beta subunit. However, determining the amount of the beta subunit is equivalent to determining the entire hormone.

Being a normal component of the blood of pregnant women, in the absence of pregnancy, as well as in men, hCG can be secreted by some types of malignant tumors, which allows it to be used as a tumor marker.

The normal level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood of non-pregnant women and men is no more than 5 International Units (IU) per milliliter. During pregnancy, the level of hCG can increase many times, reaching at its peak (10-11 weeks) more than a hundred thousand international units. A decrease in the amount of gonadotropin in pregnant women serves as a negative sign, indicating a difficult course of pregnancy and the possibility of its termination.

In non-pregnant women and men, high hCG levels can be caused by tumors of the gonads (testes and ovaries), uterus, and some forms of lung, esophagus, stomach and kidney cancer.

Analysis of the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin is actively used as an independent study to monitor the progress of pregnancy, to diagnose its complications, and pathologies of the genitourinary system in women. To diagnose tumors, hCG analysis is used as part of triple screening - simultaneous determination of the level of this tumor marker, free estriol and alpha-fetoprotein. This approach makes it possible to most accurately diagnose a large number of types of malignant tumors.

Tumor markers - interpretation of blood tests. When there is an increased and decreased level of tumor markers secreted by cancer cells (CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CA 72-4, CA 242, HE4, PSA, CEA)

Characteristics of various tumor markers and interpretation of test results

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP)

Suspicion of primary liver cancer or liver metastases (to distinguish metastases from primary liver cancer, it is recommended to determine the level of CEA in the blood simultaneously with AFP);
Suspicion of malignant neoplasms in the testicles of men or the ovaries of women (it is recommended to determine the level of hCG in combination with AFP to increase the accuracy of diagnosis);
Monitoring the effectiveness of therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma of the liver and testicular or ovarian tumors (simultaneous determination of AFP and hCG levels is carried out);
Monitoring the condition of people suffering from cirrhosis of the liver for the purpose of early detection of liver cancer;
Monitoring the condition of people who have a high risk of developing tumors of the genital organs (in the presence of cryptorchidism, benign tumors or ovarian cysts, etc.) for the purpose of their early detection.

The following AFP values for children and adults are considered normal (not elevated):

1 month – 1 year – less than 28 ng/ml;
2 – 3 years – less than 7.9 ng/ml;
4 – 6 years – less than 5.6 ng/ml;
7 – 12 years – less than 3.7 ng/ml;
13 – 18 years – less than 3.9 ng/ml.

2.Female children:

1 – 30 days of life – mening/ml;
1 month – 1 year – less than 77 ng/ml;
2 – 3 years – less than 11 ng/ml;
4 – 6 years – less than 4.2 ng/ml;
7 – 12 years – less than 5.6 ng/ml;
13 – 18 years – less than 4.2 ng/ml.

3.Adults over 18 years old– less than 7.0 ng/ml.

In addition, AFP levels above the age norm can also be detected in the following non-cancer diseases:

Hepatitis;
Cirrhosis of the liver;
Blockage of the biliary tract;
Alcoholic liver damage;
Telangiectasia syndrome;
Hereditary tyrosinemia.

Chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Suspicion of hydatidiform mole in a pregnant woman;
Neoplasms in the pelvis identified during ultrasound (the hCG level is determined to distinguish a benign tumor from a malignant one);
The presence of long-term bleeding after an abortion or childbirth (hCG level is determined to identify or exclude chorionic carcinoma);
Neoplasms in the testicles of men (hCG levels are determined to identify or exclude germ cell tumors).

The following hCG values for men and women are considered normal (not elevated):

Non-pregnant women of reproductive age (before menopause) – less than 1 IU/ml;
Non-pregnant postmenopausal women - up to 7.0 IU/ml.

An increase in hCG levels above the age and gender norm is a sign of the presence of the following tumors:

Hydatidiform mole or relapse of hydatidiform mole;
Chorionic carcinoma or its recurrence;
Seminoma;
Ovarian teratoma;
Tumors of the digestive tract;
Lung tumors;
Kidney tumors;
Tumors of the uterus.

In addition, hCG levels may be elevated in the following conditions and non-cancer diseases:

Pregnancy;
Less than a week ago the pregnancy was terminated (miscarriage, abortion, etc.);
Taking hCG drugs.

Beta-2 microglobulin

Prediction of the course and assessment of the effectiveness of treatment of myeloma, B-lymphomas, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia;
Predicting the course and assessing the effectiveness of therapy for stomach and intestinal cancer (in combination with other tumor markers);
Assessment of the condition and effectiveness of treatment in patients suffering from HIV/AIDS or who have undergone organ transplantation.

The level of beta-2 microglobulin for men and women of all age categories is considered normal (not elevated) 0.8 - 2.2 mg/l. An increase in the level of beta-2 microglobulin is observed in the following oncological and non-oncological diseases:

In addition, it should be remembered that taking Vancomycin, Cyclosporine, Amphotericin B, Cisplastin and aminoglycoside antibiotics (Levomycetin, etc.) also leads to an increase in the level of beta-2 microglobulin in the blood.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen

Also, the concentration of squamous cell carcinoma antigen may be increased in the following non-oncological diseases:

Inflammatory diseases of the liver and biliary tract;
Kidney failure;
Psoriasis and eczema.

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE, NSE)

To distinguish between small cell and non-small cell lung cancer;
To predict the course, monitor the effectiveness of therapy and early detection of relapse or metastases in small cell lung cancer;
If you suspect the presence of thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, intestinal and pancreatic tumors;
Suspicion of neuroblastoma in children;
As an additional diagnostic marker, seminomas (in combination with hCG).

A normal (not elevated) concentration of NSE in the blood is less than 16.3 ng/ml for people of any age and gender.

In addition, the level of NSE increases above normal in the following non-oncological diseases and conditions:

Kidney or liver failure;
Pulmonary tuberculosis;
Chronic lung diseases of non-tumor nature;
Smoking;
Hemolytic disease;
Lesions of the nervous system of traumatic or ischemic origin (for example, traumatic brain injuries, cerebrovascular accidents, strokes, etc.);
Dementia (dementia).

Tumor marker Cyfra CA 21-1 (cytokeratin 19 fragment)

To distinguish malignant tumors from other space-occupying lesions in the lungs;
To monitor the effectiveness of therapy and detect relapses of lung cancer;
To control the progression of bladder cancer.

This tumor marker is not used for the primary detection of lung cancer in people who have a high risk of developing a tumor in this location, for example, heavy smokers, those suffering from tuberculosis, etc.

Non-small cell lung carcinoma;
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung;
Muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma.

2.

Chronic lung diseases (COPD, tuberculosis, etc.);
Kidney failure;
Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.);
Smoking.

Tumor marker HE4

To distinguish cancer from neoplasms of a non-oncological nature localized in the pelvis;
Early screening primary diagnosis of ovarian cancer (HE4 is determined against the background of normal or elevated CA 125 levels);
Monitoring the effectiveness of therapy for epithelial ovarian cancer;
Early detection of relapses and metastases of ovarian cancer;
Detection of breast cancer;
Detection of endometrial cancer.

The following concentrations of HE4 in the blood of women of different ages are normal (not elevated):

Women under 40 years old – less than 60.5 pmol/l;
Women 40 – 49 years old – less than 76.2 pmol/l;
Women 50 – 59 years old – less than 74.3 pmol/l;
Women 60 – 69 years old – less than 82.9 pmol/l;
Women over 70 years old - less than 104 pmol/l.

An increase in HE4 levels above the age norm develops in endometrial cancer and non-mucinous forms of ovarian cancer.

Protein S-100

Monitoring the effectiveness of therapy, identifying relapses and metastases of melanoma;
Clarification of the depth of damage to brain tissue against the background of various diseases of the central nervous system.

The normal (not elevated) level of protein S-100 in blood plasma is a concentration of less than 0.105 μg/l.

Malignant melanoma of the skin.

2.Non-oncological diseases:

Damage to brain tissue of any origin (traumatic, ischemic, after bleeding, stroke, etc.);
Alzheimer's disease;
Inflammatory diseases of any organs;
Intense physical activity.

Tumor marker CA 72-4

For early primary detection of ovarian cancer (in combination with the CA 125 marker) and stomach cancer (in combination with the CEA and CA 19-9 markers);
Monitoring the effectiveness of therapy for stomach cancer (in combination with CEA and CA 19-9 markers), ovarian cancer (in combination with CA 125 marker) and colon and rectal cancer.

Normal (not elevated) is the concentration of CA 72-4 less than 6.9 U/ml.

Stomach cancer;
Ovarian cancer;
Colon and rectal cancer;
Lungs' cancer;
Breast cancer;
Pancreas cancer.

2.Non-oncological diseases:

Endometrioid tumors;
Pancreatitis;
Cirrhosis of the liver;
Benign tumors of the digestive tract;
Lung diseases;
Ovarian diseases;
Rheumatic diseases (heart defects, joint rheumatism, etc.);
Breast diseases.

Tumor marker CA 242

If there is a suspicion of cancer of the pancreas, stomach, colon or rectum (CA 242 is determined in combination with CA 19-9 and CA 50);
To evaluate the effectiveness of therapy for cancer of the pancreas, stomach, colon and rectum;
For prognosis and early detection of relapses and metastases of pancreatic, stomach, colon and rectal cancer.

A CA 242 concentration of less than 29 units/ml is considered normal (not elevated).

Pancreatic tumor;
Stomach cancer;
Colon or rectal cancer.

2.Non-oncological diseases:

Diseases of the rectum, stomach, liver, pancreas and biliary tract.

Tumor marker CA 15-3

Determination of CA 15-3 in practical medicine is carried out in the following cases:

Evaluation of the effectiveness of breast carcinoma therapy;
Early detection of relapses and metastases after treatment of breast carcinoma;
To distinguish between breast cancer and mastopathy.

The normal (not elevated) value of the tumor marker CA 15-3 in the blood plasma is less than 25 units/ml.

Breast carcinoma;
Bronchial carcinoma;
Stomach cancer;
Liver cancer;
Pancreas cancer;
Ovarian cancer (only in advanced stages);
Endometrial cancer (only in late stages);
Uterine cancer (only in advanced stages).

2.Non-oncological diseases:

Benign diseases of the mammary glands (mastopathy, etc.);
Cirrhosis of the liver;
Acute or chronic hepatitis;
Autoimmune diseases of the pancreas, thyroid gland and other endocrine organs;
Third trimester of pregnancy.

Tumor marker CA 50

Suspicion of pancreatic cancer (including against the background of a normal level of CA 19-9);
Suspicion of colon or rectal cancer;
Monitoring the effectiveness of therapy and early detection of metastases or recurrence of pancreatic cancer.

Normal (not elevated) is the concentration of CA 50 less than 25 units/ml in the blood.

Pancreas cancer;
Rectal or colon cancer;
Stomach cancer;
Ovarian cancer;
Lungs' cancer;
Mammary cancer;
Prostate cancer;
Liver cancer.

2.Non-oncological diseases:

Tumor marker CA 19-9

Distinguishing pancreatic cancer from other diseases of this organ (in combination with the CA 50 marker);
Assessment of the effectiveness of treatment, monitoring the course, early detection of relapses and metastases of pancreatic carcinoma;
Assessment of the effectiveness of treatment, monitoring the course, early detection of relapses and metastases of gastric cancer (in combination with the CEA marker and CA 72-4);
Suspicion of rectal or colon cancer (in combination with a CEA marker);
To identify mucinous forms of ovarian cancer in combination with the determination of markers CA 125, HE4.

The normal (not elevated) concentration of CA 19-9 in the blood is less than 34 units/ml.

Pancreas cancer;
Cancer of the gallbladder or biliary tract;
Liver cancer;
Stomach cancer;
Rectal or colon cancer;
Mammary cancer;
Uterine cancer;
Mucinous ovarian cancer.

2.Non-oncological diseases:

Tumor marker CA 125

As a screening test for breast cancer for postmenopausal women and for women of any age who have a blood relative with breast or ovarian cancer;
Assessment of the effectiveness of therapy, early detection of relapses and metastases in ovarian cancer;
Detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (in combination with tumor marker CA 19-9);
Monitoring the effectiveness of therapy and identifying relapses of endometriosis.

Normal (not elevated) is the concentration of CA 125 in the blood less than 25 units/ml.

Epithelial forms of ovarian cancer;
Uterine cancer;
Endometrial cancer;
Fallopian tube cancer;
Mammary cancer;
Pancreas cancer;
Stomach cancer;
Liver cancer;
Rectal cancer;
Lungs' cancer.

2.Non-oncological diseases:

Benign tumors and inflammatory diseases of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes;
Endometriosis;
Third trimester of pregnancy;
Liver diseases;
Diseases of the pancreas;
Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, etc.).

Prostate-specific antigen total and free (PSA)

Early diagnosis of prostate cancer;
Assessing the risk of prostate cancer metastases;
Evaluation of the effectiveness of prostate cancer therapy;
Detection of relapses or metastases of prostate cancer after treatment.

The concentration of total PSA in the blood is considered normal within the following values for men of different ages:

Under 40 years old – less than 1.4 ng/ml;
40 – 49 years – less than 2 ng/ml;
50 – 59 years – less than 3.1 ng/ml;
60 – 69 years – less than 4.1 ng/ml;
Over 70 years old – less than 4.4 ng/ml.

An increase in the concentration of total PSA is observed in prostate cancer, as well as prostatitis, prostate infarction, prostate hyperplasia, and after irritation of the gland (for example, after a massage or examination through the anus).

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP)

Prostate cancer;
Prostate infarction;
BPH;
Acute or chronic prostatitis;
A period of 3 to 4 days after irritation of the prostate during surgery, rectal examination, biopsy, massage or ultrasound;
Chronic hepatitis;
Cirrhosis of the liver.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, CEA)

To monitor the effectiveness of therapy and detect metastases of colon, breast, lung, liver, pancreas and stomach cancer;
For detection of suspected cancer of the intestine (with the marker CA 19-9), breast (with the marker CA 15-3), liver (with the marker AFP), stomach (with the markers CA 19-9 and CA 72-4), pancreas (with markers CA 242, CA 50 and CA 19-9) and lungs (with markers NSE, AFP, SCC, Cyfra CA 21-1).

Normal (not elevated) CEA concentration values are as follows:

Smoking people aged 20 – 69 years – less than 5.5 ng/ml;
Non-smokers aged 20 – 69 years – less than 3.8 ng/ml.

An increase in CEA levels is observed in the following oncological and non-oncological diseases:

Rectal and colon cancer;
Mammary cancer;
Lungs' cancer;
Cancer of the thyroid gland, pancreas, liver, ovaries and prostate (an increased CEA value has diagnostic significance only if the levels of other markers of these tumors are also elevated).

2.Non-oncological diseases:

Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA)

Identification and monitoring of the effectiveness of therapy for bladder carcinoma (in combination with TPA);
Identification and monitoring of the effectiveness of breast cancer therapy (in combination with CEA, CA 15-3);
Detection and monitoring of the effectiveness of lung cancer therapy (in combination with markers NSE, AFP, SCC, Cyfra CA 21-1);
Detection and monitoring of the effectiveness of cervical cancer therapy (in combination with SCC markers, Cyfra CA 21-1).

A normal (not elevated) serum TPA level is less than 75 U/L.

Bladder carcinoma;
Mammary cancer;
Lungs' cancer.

Since TPA increases only in cancer, this tumor marker has a very high specificity for tumors. That is, an increase in its level has a very important diagnostic value, clearly indicating the presence of a focus of tumor growth in the body, since an increase in the concentration of TPA does not occur in non-oncological diseases.

Tumor-M2-pyruvate kinase (PK-M2)

To clarify the presence of a tumor in combination with other organ-specific tumor markers (for example, if any other tumor marker is elevated, but it is not clear whether this is a consequence of the presence of a tumor or a non-oncological disease. In this case, determining PC-M2 will help to distinguish whether the increase in the concentration of another tumor marker is caused by the tumor or non-oncological disease. After all, if the level of PC-M2 is elevated, then this clearly indicates the presence of a tumor, and, therefore, it is necessary to examine organs for which another tumor marker with a high concentration is specific);
Assessing the effectiveness of therapy;
Monitoring the appearance of metastases or tumor recurrence.

Normal (not elevated) is the concentration of PC-M2 in the blood less than 15 U/ml.

Cancer of the digestive tract (stomach, intestines, esophagus, pancreas, liver);
Mammary cancer;
Kidney cancer;
Lung cancer.

Chromogranin A

Detection of neuroendocrine tumors (insulinomas, gastrinomas, VIPomas, glucagonomas, somatostatinomas, etc.) and monitoring the effectiveness of their therapy;
To evaluate the effectiveness of hormonal therapy for prostate cancer.

The normal (not elevated) concentration of chromogranin A is 27 – 94 ng/ml.

Combinations of tumor markers for diagnosing cancer of various organs

CA 15-3 – breast marker;
CA 125 – ovarian marker;
CEA is a marker for carcinomas of any location;
HE4 – marker of ovaries and mammary glands;
SCC – marker of cervical cancer;
CA 19-9 is a marker of the pancreas and gall bladder.

Chorionic gonadotropin (CG) is a glycoprotein hormone consisting of 2 subunits - α and β, non-covalently linked to each other. The α-subunit is identical to the α-subunit of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones and pituitary thyrotropin. The β-subunit is specific for human chorionic gonadotropin (CG).

Chorionic gonadotropin (CG) contains neuraminic acids, the amount of which is proportional to its activity: when they are eliminated, the biological activity of human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) disappears. The hCG-specific antiserum reacts only with the β-subunit.

The normal limit for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is not higher than 5 IU/ml in men and non-pregnant women.

Chorionic gonadotropin (CG) is formed physiologically in syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta; it is detected in maternal serum 6-10 days after fertilization and another 1-2 days later in urine. The concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the amniotic fluid correlates with the serum concentration, but is an order of magnitude lower.

The level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) increases until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, reaching a maximum at 40-80 days, and then decreases. A decrease in the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is observed during ectopic pregnancy and threatened miscarriage (lower than during normal pregnancy). In men and non-pregnant women, an increase in the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a sure sign of the presence of a malignant tumor.

An increase in the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) is found in cases of hydatidiform mole, chorionic carcinoma, seminomas, teratomas of the ovary and testicles, in patients with lung cancer (14% of cases), in cancer of the gastrointestinal tract (up to 60%), and genitourinary system organs (30%). , for colon and rectal cancer (25-77% depending on the size of the tumor). Trophoblastic neoplasms, both benign and malignant, cause an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).

The largest amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) is produced in chorionepithelioma, the most malignant tumor. It should be noted that, along with high malignancy, chorionepithelioma is one of the few localizations of tumors, which, subject to timely diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment, can lead to complete cure (in 95% of cases) in the absence of metastases and (in 83%) in patients with metastases .

The sensitivity of this marker for testicular and placental carcinoma is 100%, for chorionadenoma - 97%, for non-seminomatous germinomas - 48-86%, for seminomas - 7-14%.

Some tumors produce only single subunits of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Thus, it has been established that in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, mainly free α-subunits are found. With hemolysis of blood and lipemia, false-positive reactions of human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) are possible.

What hCG for oncology

When analyzing human chorionic gonadotropin (b-hCG), the concentration of the b-subunit of the hormone is measured to exclude cross-reactions with luteinizing hormone.

The b-hCG level is assessed using radioimmunoassay. This method is used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of choriocarcinoma, testicular cancer and other hermogenic tumors.

The half-life (t1/2) of this compound in the body can be detected in the blood and urine (in the latter case, the presence of the hormone is a positive pregnancy test). This hormone is of particular value in detecting relapses of the disease.

It has been shown that its concentration above Me/liter is a poor prognostic factor for hermogenic tumors. The active b-fragment of the hormone, a low-molecular-weight protein that can be detected in urine, has recently been described.

It appears to be produced by a wide range of trophoblastic tumors, but its use as a tumor marker has not yet been clearly defined.

Blood parameters in oncology (tumor markers)

Tumor markers are substances that are formed in the body affected by cancer. In fact, these markers can be either by-products of cancer cells, or qualitatively new cells that are produced by the body during cancer. To identify tumor markers, as a rule, blood biochemistry is prescribed.

You need to know that the presence of a tumor marker is not enough to make a diagnosis. Severe hormonal imbalances can cause the production of certain tumor markers. Just as not every cancer will provoke the production of a tumor marker. For these reasons, before making a diagnosis, the doctor will not only direct the patient to donate blood for oncology, but will also offer to undergo a number of other diagnostic tests.

One blood test for tumor markers is not enough to make a diagnosis

The most common tumor markers

The most common tumor markers are listed below, to identify which a blood test for oncology is prescribed.

Other blood parameters for cancer

In addition to tumor markers, the laboratory technician will evaluate the blood based on other indicators, namely, identify ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is normally 1-15 mm/hour) and determine the parameters of white blood cells.

An abnormal ESR will not directly indicate the presence of cancer. Abnormal results simply indicate the presence of inflammation in the body. White blood cells in the blood are also an indicator of inflammation. An increased number of leukocytes (normal formula: >9*109/l) indicates that an inflammatory process is occurring in the body. But a blood test will not answer the question of what diseases caused the deviation from the norm?

ESR is an important indicator of inflammatory and oncological processes in the body

How to prepare for a blood test?

Adequate water levels in the body help improve blood flow and make veins more visible. Therefore, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids a day or two before taking the test. It is best to drink water, because any other liquids can change the test results. You can also take a brisk walk in the morning before going to the clinic. This will help raise your blood pressure, which will make your veins more visible. Applying moisturizer at least 4 times a day to the crook of the inner elbow (where the skin will be punctured) will make the procedure less painful.

How is a blood test for cancer performed?

Blood for oncology testing is taken during a vein puncture. The phlebotomist will take the amount of blood required for the test. The blood sample is sent to the laboratory, where tumor markers will be determined. Usually the vein in the crook of the elbow is very visible to the doctor, but you need to be prepared for the fact that the phlebotomist will ask you to clench your fist tightly. As the needle is inserted under the skin, the patient may feel a slight tingling sensation. The procedure itself usually takes about 3 minutes. After this, the patient's arm will be bandaged with a clean elastic bandage in order to prevent bleeding and the occurrence of blood clots, swelling and bruises.

Do not panic if the test results reveal an increased level of any tumor marker. But in any case, abnormal results should be a reason for more thorough examinations.

Tumor marker hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone, one of the most important indicators of the presence of pregnancy and its proper development. This hormone serves to protect the fetus from the mother's immune system.

Dynamic monitoring of pregnancy,

As a prenatal diagnosis of fetal defects,

Assessment of the completeness of induced abortion,

Threat of miscarriage and threat of undeveloped pregnancy,

Excluding the possibility of ectopic pregnancy,

Diagnosis of certain types of tumors, hydatidiform mole,

Differential diagnosis of testicular tumors (in men),

Monitoring the treatment of trophoblastic diseases.

Where can I get diagnosed and treated for cancer?

The pages of our website provide information about a variety of medical institutions from European and other countries where diagnosis and treatment of various forms of cancer can be carried out. For example, these could be centers and clinics such as:

Clinic named after Robert Jancker in Germany has at its disposal the most modern technical means to combat cancer. Among the technical arsenal of the clinic one can highlight, for example, linear accelerators Novalis and Varian Clinac DHX for radiotherapy. Go to page >>

The Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute in the USA specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant neoplasms and precancerous diseases in children and adults. Widely applies the most advanced and effective cancer treatment programs, constantly working to improve them. Go to page >>

The basis for successful cancer treatment at the Chinese Nongken Hospital is high-precision diagnosis. The modern diagnostic equipment at the hospital's disposal makes it possible to carry out examinations at the highest level and detect tumors in the initial stages. Go to page >>

The French Clinic of the Institut Curie deservedly enjoys great respect and authority throughout the medical world. The clinic uses the most advanced techniques in the treatment of oncological diseases and is equipped with high-quality medical equipment and experienced staff. Go to page >>

The German clinic of the Barmherzige Bruder Order has achieved excellent results in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer of various forms and locations. For example, in the urology department, the most common disease that patients present with is prostate carcinoma. Go to page >>

The Italian San Rafael Hospital is widely known in Italy and in Europe as a whole as a medical center that provides high-quality services for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of oncological diseases. The center includes the Department of Oncohematology, the Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, etc. Go to page >>

Israeli Medical Center Sh.M.R. He has been successfully diagnosing and treating a wide range of malignant tumors for a long time. More often than others, the clinic encounters the treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, and malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Go to page >>

The German Oncology Clinical Center in Friedrichshafen specializes in the treatment of a wide range of malignant neoplasms and has a high reputation in the medical world. In addition to therapy, the center also provides high-precision cancer diagnostic services. Go to page >>

Tumor marker hCG

Human chorionic gonadotropic hormone (hCG) is a diagnostic marker of pregnancy and a number of tumor pathologies. Its structure is a glycoprotein, which under physiological conditions is produced by syncytiotrophoblast cells during pregnancy. In oncological pathologies, this substance is synthesized by cells of germ cell and other tumor formations.

The molecular weight of hCG is 46 kDa, the glycoprotein consists of alpha and beta subunits that are linked to each other. The beta subunit is unique in structure, and the alpha subunit is identical to the alpha subunits of thyrotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). It is on the determination of the beta subunits of the hormone that diagnostic test systems are based.

Indications

Your doctor may order a total beta-hCG test in the following situations:

suspicion of a germ cell tumor (the test is prescribed simultaneously with
determining the level of alpha-fetoprotein);
assessment of the prognosis of progression of oncological pathologies;
monitoring the condition of patients during therapy for tumor diseases.

The material for research can be blood serum, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, pleural fluid, ascitic fluid. The acceptable level of hCG concentration in any biological fluids is the range from 0 to 5 mU/ml.

Promotion

Under conditions of normal functioning of the human body, chorionic gonadotropin is produced by the trophoblast during pregnancy; early diagnosis of pregnancy and detection of pathologies as it develops are based on the determination of this substance.

Before talking about which tumors produce hCG, we should focus on benign pathologies, in which a slight increase in the concentration of the hormone is also possible. These conditions include:

early puberty;
ulcerative formations in the organs of the digestive system;
inflammatory bowel pathologies;
cirrhosis.

Malignant tumors that produce hCG are presented below:

germ cell (chorionic carcinoma, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer);
breast tumors;
tumors of the stomach and intestines;
liver tumors;
pancreatic tumors;
kidney tumors;
small cell lung tumors.

Another dangerous condition in which the hCG tumor marker is detected in women is hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy). It manifests itself as the degeneration of chorionic villi into vesicular structures that resemble grape bunches in appearance.

Hydatidiform mole can be complete or incomplete. A complete pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg that does not have a nucleus. The paternal set of chromosomes doubles, but the formed zygote turns out to be non-viable, and the formation of an embryo does not occur.

An incomplete pregnancy occurs when two sperm penetrate a normal egg at the same time. The presence of three sets of chromosomes leads to the non-viability of the developing embryo.

With hydatidiform mole, the concentration of hCG increases five times compared to acceptable values. Detection of this dangerous pathology requires surgical intervention.

Analysis

In men and non-pregnant women, small amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone are formed in the cells of the pituitary gland and in immature epithelial cells. Therefore, the concentration of hCG may be slightly higher than zero values - up to 5 mU/ml (in the postmenopausal period in women - up to 10 mU/ml).

Blood serum is the biomaterial that is most often used to determine hCG. Venous blood is required for the study. Before submitting it you must:

do not eat for 8 hours before blood sampling (you can drink some water);
limit physical activity and not be sexually active for several days before the test;
Consult with your doctor about the advisability of discontinuing medications that may affect the test result.

The level of hCG in oncology is determined in the laboratory using an enzyme immunoassay. The interpretation of the research results must be carried out by a specialist.

An increase in normal hCG values is not an absolute diagnostic criterion for oncological pathologies. Detection of a high concentration of this substance serves as a reason for prescribing additional laboratory and instrumental studies, the list of which is determined by the attending physician.

Thus, hCG is a tumor marker for women and men, and its determination allows one to suspect tumor pathologies. To confirm the suspected diagnosis, the specialist prescribes a blood test for other tumor markers (AFP, LDH, etc.), as well as radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound (the necessary methods are selected based on the characteristics of the clinical situation).

What hCG for oncology

After fertilization of the egg, a zygote is formed, the cells of which immediately begin to divide. A woman’s body begins to produce chemicals that not only maintain pregnancy, but are also a diagnostic sign of it. The pregnancy hormone is hCG (human chorionic hormone).

The importance of human chorionic hormone (hCG) during pregnancy. HCG during pregnancy by week

HCG levels begin to increase from the first days after conception; Every day the hormone level is examined in the laboratory. And every pregnant woman should have an hCG table. If the study shows low values (from hCG 1 to hCG 5), then most likely pregnancy has not occurred. A negative hCG test confirms this fact. If the laboratory has concluded that the hCG level is 7 or hCG 10, then we need to look for the reason for this, since it is impossible to confidently refute or confirm pregnancy in this case.

From the first day of pregnancy, the embryonic stage of fetal development begins. HCG after fertilization of the egg is expressed in increased quantities from the third day. It consists of two particles: alpha and beta hCG. The β-particle is the unique component of hCG that makes it unlike other gonadotropic hormones. Its level is growing exponentially.

The hCG norm by day looks like this: on the eighth day of pregnancy, the level of the hCG hormone will be 5 mIU/ml. The concentration of chorionic hormone during pregnancy doubles every two days. Its increase in 72 hours by sixty percent is also the norm. After reaching the level of one thousand two hundred milliunits per milliliter of blood serum, the rate of increase begins to decrease. Its level doubles every 2-3 days. Once the hCG concentration drops to six hundred milliunits, doubling begins to occur after ninety-six hours. From the ninth obstetric week, the increase in hCG concentration stops.

At week 12, the hCG concentration is in the domMe/ml range, the test will show this.

The level of human chorionic hormone during pregnancy from 18 to 23 weeks should be within the limit of 0 mIU/ml. During multiple pregnancies, the hormone level increases in direct proportion to the number of embryos.

From the third month of pregnancy until the birth of the child, the fetal period takes place. At this time, the tissues of the fetus differentiate, its internal organs develop, and certain reflexes are formed. When the embryo develops normally, hCG rises. From the thirteenth to the eighteenth week of pregnancy, hCG concentrations within 00 mIU/ml are considered normal.

By the end of pregnancy, the level of chorionic hormone is in the range of 100IU/ml.

The onset of pregnancy is indicated by symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, which is especially disturbing in the morning. A woman’s sense of smell becomes more acute, she reacts sharply to smells, and her taste preferences may change. These signs begin from the moment the level of human chorionic hormone increases, when hCG is 6 or hCG is 14. Also, during pregnancy, a woman’s mood often changes, she is irritated by any little things, and she quickly gets tired. Pregnancy is accompanied by swelling of the mammary glands, an increase in their volume, and the nipples become sensitive. Pigmentation appears in different areas of the skin, stretch marks appear.

An increased level of human chorionic gonadotropin may occur in the following cases:

mismatch with gestational age;
presence of gestosis;
fetal developmental anomalies, in particular trisomy 21;
multiple births;
use of synthetic gestagens or drugs containing hCG;
decreased glucose tolerance;
post-term pregnancy.

Low hCG levels in pregnant women can occur in the following conditions:

ectopic pregnancy;
fetal death or delayed development;
threat of miscarriage.

HCG for ectopic pregnancy

Initially, with an ectopic pregnancy, the hormone level is normal. Problems begin when the fetus stretches the fallopian tube and there is a threat of its rupture. Screening helps diagnose this condition before the situation becomes life-threatening.

With an ectopic pregnancy, the rate of increase in hCG concentration is much slower; the normal doubling of its level does not occur. In this case, clinical signs of a threatened termination of an ectopic pregnancy appear, which requires immediate surgical intervention.

Change in hCG level after transfer

One of the methods of treating infertility is in vitro fertilization (IVF). During the preparation process, an injection of hCG is performed, and after that its level in the woman’s blood increases. After fertilization of the egg outside the mother's body, the embryo develops for several days in an incubator, from where it is transferred to the uterus. If the hCG level begins to increase after embryo transfer, this indicates successful implantation.

There is a table called “hCG DPP”. It indicates the normal level of the hormone depending on whether a three-day or five-day embryo was transferred. The hCG calculator will help you decipher the results of a blood test for beta-hCG after IVF. With its help, you can calculate what the hormone level should be depending on the day of conception, as well as in the early stages of pregnancy.

When to donate blood for hCG, your doctor will tell you in each specific case. The analysis can be done in any laboratory; it is carried out in vitro. HCG is determined repeatedly; it is better to do this in the same laboratory.

HCG and its role in the diagnosis of cancer - transcript of tests on Oncoforum

What can a low hCG level indicate?

Low hCG levels will only be a warning sign in pregnant women. If the level of gonadotropin in pregnant women is lower than expected at the appropriate time, this may be a reason for a thorough examination, since such a decrease in hCG occurs in some pathologies of pregnancy and the fetus. In non-pregnant women and men, a negative hCG test result is normal.

Reasons for increasing hCG levels

In men with testicular cancer, hCG is also determined. This is due to the fact that the neoplasm contains embryonic tissues, which produce this tumor marker.

In ovarian cancer and uterine cancer, cells that produce hCG may be present. In particular, this will occur with germ cell tumors.

Preparation for analysis and method for determining hCG

HCG levels are determined in blood serum and urine. To study hCG in serum, it is necessary to take venous blood for analysis. There are some rules for correctly completing this analysis.

Firstly, blood must be donated for hCG on an empty stomach, preferably after an eight-hour fast, in the morning.

Secondly, you should stop taking any medications one to two weeks before taking the test, as some drugs can affect the level of hCG in the blood.

And fourthly, the day before taking blood, you must avoid fatty and fried foods.

The role of hCG in the diagnosis of cancer

HCG has 100% sensitivity in the diagnosis of germ cell tumors, chorionic carcinomas and various types of neoplasms of the genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract arising from germ cells.

The tumor marker is also suitable for diagnosing testicular cancer and distinguishing it from a benign disease - epididymitis.

For better monitoring of patients, an hCG test must be taken 2-3 weeks after tumor removal, then at least once a month during the first year and at least once every 4 months in subsequent years.

Chorionic gonadotropin can detect cancer in 100% of cases of cancer arising from germ cells and trophoblastomas, cure 95% of patients without metastases and 83% of patients with metastases.

HCG tumor marker - Human chorionic gonadotropin, its norm and interpretation

In non-pregnant women and men, high hCG levels can be caused by tumors of the gonads (testes and ovaries), uterus, and some forms of lung, esophagus, stomach and kidney cancer.

Analysis for tumor markers: SA, hCG, TG

Tumor markers are specific substances that are formed in the patient’s body when he or she has cancerous tumors. Tumor marker analysis is an effective method for diagnosing cancer at the earliest stages.

Click to expand/close article menu →

Important tests for tumor markers: tests for SA

Depending on the disease that is suspected in the patient or for preventive purposes, the doctor may prescribe the following tests for CA - CA 19-9, CA 15-3, CA 125, CA 242.

CA 125 analysis

This substance is a glycoprotein that is produced by ovarian tumor cells. A study on the level of concentration of the tumor marker CA 125 in most cases serves as a tool for early diagnosis of a disease such as ovarian cancer, and is most effective for women in the menopausal stage. A blood test for this tumor marker for young women is not as effective and is characterized by low sensitivity and specificity.

The analysis can also be prescribed to check the effectiveness of treatment for various types of ovarian cancer (serous, endometrial, clear cell), allows you to determine the formation of metastases or predict relapse several months in advance. The study can serve as an auxiliary tool for diagnosing breast, uterine, and pancreatic cancer.

Analysis of CA 19-9

Testing for the substance CA 19-9 is used in most cases for the effective diagnosis of formations of the gastrointestinal tract. As a rule, an analysis for tumor markers CA 19-9 is prescribed in combination with studies for CEA and CA 72-4, and is characterized by high sensitivity. The concentration level of this marker must be examined if the doctor suspects the patient has diseases such as cancer of the stomach, pancreas, rectum, colon, or gall bladder.

In addition, the normal concentration of this tumor marker in the blood is checked as part of assessing the effectiveness of treatment and early diagnosis of metastases.

CA15-3 assay

The substance CA 15-3 is a specific breast tumor marker, the concentration of which in the blood increases in patients with breast cancer. The sensitivity of the study is directly determined by the stage at which the cancer is located. The CA 15-3 assay is not as effective for early detection of breast cancer due to low sensitivity (approximately 20%). Whereas at a later stage, the sensitivity of the study rises to 84%, which allows it to be used as a tool for monitoring breast cancer treatment and early detection of relapses.

CA 242 Analysis

The study plays a supporting role; its use in combination with the CA 19-9 test and other types of examination makes it possible to detect pancreatic, rectal and colon cancer in the early stages. Also, the results of testing the level of concentration of this substance in the patient’s body suggest a relapse within a few months.

The price of tests for tumor markers and the timing of the study depend on the specific laboratory. The transcript of the SEA study should definitely be shown to the attending physician.

How to prepare for tests for SA

Proper preparation for the study increases the chances of obtaining reliable results. Men can donate blood for SA tumor markers on any day of the month; women are recommended to do this on the second or third day after the end of menstruation. Preparation for analysis includes the following steps.

A few days before the test

Before donating blood for these tumor markers, it is important to give up alcoholic beverages and for two to three days carefully plan your menu, excluding spicy, fatty, and heavy foods.
Three days before the test, intense physical activity should not be allowed. It is also not recommended to have sex.
Factors such as hypothermia and overheating can also distort the results of tests for SA (as well as for CEA, ACE and others). Therefore, it is necessary to exclude entertainment such as winter fishing, going to the bathhouse or sauna, and it is not advisable to take a hot bath.
Doctors do not advise donating blood if the patient has recently undergone instrumental, ultrasound, X-ray examination, undergone physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, and so on.
You should also stop taking certain medications, having previously discussed this with your doctor. It is advisable to stop taking medications before testing for SA tumor markers, otherwise deviations from the norm are possible.

Before tumor marker analysis

On the day of donating blood for tumor markers, the patient must adhere to the following rules.

About 8-12 hours should pass since the last meal, the same applies to a variety of drinks (tea, juices, coffee, and so on). Only clean water is allowed.
The optimal time for conducting the study is in the morning, from 8 to 11. If the purpose of donating blood is to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment, it is advisable to take the tests at the same time as before, in the same laboratory.
A couple of hours before the test, it is important to refrain from smoking, as cigarettes can also distort normal test results.
It is recommended to come to the laboratory at least half an hour before the test. The patient should rest and relax before donating blood. Emotional stress is not allowed, no matter what type of tumor marker tests are taken.

These preparation rules are quite simple; their strict adherence will increase the likelihood of obtaining correct results.

How to decipher tests for SA

Even if a person decides to take tests for tumor markers of SA on his own, he should definitely familiarize himself with the transcript from his attending physician. Only a specialist can correctly interpret the results of the study. However, having an idea of the normal indicators of tumor markers CA 125, 19-9, 15-3 and others, and the possible reasons for deviations from it, you can draw certain conclusions on your own.

Analysis results for CA 125

The substance is produced by ovarian tumor cells and is an early tumor marker. Normally, the level of CA 125 in the human body should not rise above 35 U/ml. However, deviations of its indicators from the norm do not always indicate the presence of ovarian cancer in the patient. A slight increase in the values of the CA 125 tumor marker is likely in the following cases:

STD;
chronic pancreatitis;
ovarian cyst;
inflammation of the appendages;
endometriosis;
chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis;
pleurisy, peritonitis.

Also, this indicator increases in women during menstruation, so it is not recommended to be tested for tumor markers during this period.

An excessive concentration of this protein in the human body may indicate a tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchi, and mammary glands. To clarify the results, other examination methods must be used. Abnormalities in the concentration of SA tumor markers may indicate cancer:

ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, endometrium;
liver, rectum, stomach;
lungs;
mammary, pancreas;
other malignant tumors.

A serious increase in indicators may also indicate the presence of a benign tumor; in women, the concentration of CA 125 may also increase during inflammatory processes associated with the appendages, as well as in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Decoding the analysis of CA 19-9

The main purpose of the analysis for this tumor marker is the diagnosis of malignant processes of the rectum and large intestine, monitoring the effectiveness of treatment; it is often prescribed together with CEA, CA 242. Normally, the indicators do not exceed 37 U/ml. A slight excess of the norm may indicate the following problems:

hepatitis;
cholecystitis
cholelithiasis;
cirrhosis;
cystic fibrosis;
other inflammations of the gastrointestinal tract, liver.

If the CA 19-9 levels are significantly outside the normal range, this is regarded as a sign of cancer. It could be cancer:

If the values of the tumor marker CA 19-9 in a patient rise above 10 thousand U ml, this almost always indicates the presence of separated metastases.

Test results for CA 15-3

The substance CA 15-3 is known as a tumor marker for breast cancer. The specificity of the antigen makes it possible to accurately identify a malignant tumor in the mammary glands and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. A pathological deviation from the norm is considered to be an increase in CA 15-3 beyond 30 IU/ml.

A minor increase in antigen concentration may indicate the following diseases:

autoimmune diseases;
benign formations in the ovaries, breasts;
cirrhosis;
hepatitis.

If the tumor marker is not just elevated, but greatly exceeds the permissible norm, this can serve as a signal of malignant processes in:

mammary, pancreas;
liver;
uterus, endometrium, ovaries;
stomach.

All this is just informational information, since only a doctor can professionally interpret the results of blood tests for tumor markers.

Tumor marker hCG

The substance hCG in pregnant women is produced by syncytiotrophoblast cells of the placenta. Checking the concentration of this antigen is used to diagnose or confirm conception, to detect certain genetic abnormalities in the fetus, so testing for the hCG tumor marker is one of the tests that the expectant mother should definitely do. In addition, such a tumor marker is in some cases produced by tumor formations.

Indications for hCG analysis

There are a number of indications for conducting a blood test in the laboratory for the level of the hCG tumor marker for women:

diagnosis of amenorrhea;
eliminating the danger of ectopic pregnancy (in this case, hCG analysis is part of a comprehensive diagnosis);
suspicion of a frozen pregnancy (testing for human chorionic gonadotropin is the main means of diagnosing a frozen pregnancy in the early stages);
pregnancy diagnosis (6-10 weeks);
control of the completeness of induced abortion;
monitoring the patient during pregnancy;
prenatal diagnosis of possible fetal malformations;
danger of miscarriage;
identification of a number of tumors, confirmation of the diagnosis.

Despite the fact that the tumor marker hCG is known as a pregnancy hormone, analysis for this substance can also be prescribed to males. The main reason for this is to diagnose testicular tumors.

When to get tested for hCG

During pregnancy, the hCG tumor marker level is one of the most important indicators. The parameter indicates the healthy development of pregnancy, allows you to timely detect various violations and take the necessary actions. Therefore, the expectant mother must undergo a blood test for the hCG tumor marker. And of course, it is important to follow the rules for preparing for the study.

When to donate blood for hCG antigen, a pregnant woman will be told by her gynecologist, it depends on the purpose of the analysis. To diagnose fetal pathologies, as a rule, it is advisable to do an analysis for tumor markers during the week of pregnancy, to determine pregnancy - after 3-5 days of delay.

How to prepare for analysis

If a patient is about to donate blood in a laboratory for the hCG tumor marker, the following preparation rules must be followed.

If the patient is undergoing treatment, it is necessary to inform the doctor about the medications taken, since the effect of some of them can affect the reliability of the test results. If there is such a possibility, treatment is interrupted; it is recommended to do this back before donating blood.
Tests for tumor markers beta hCG must be carried out on an empty stomach; you must not eat food for 8-12 hours before submitting the material for research. Also, you cannot drink a variety of drinks (juices, coffee, tea, fruit drinks); only non-carbonated water is allowed.
2-3 days before the test, you must abstain from fatty and spicy foods, as well as alcoholic beverages. The night before, dinner should be light.
The optimal time to test for hCG tumor markers is in the morning (from about 8 to 11).
Two to three days before testing for this antigen, it is important to maintain emotional balance and avoid stressful situations, as this can distort the results.
A few days before the study for the main tumor marker, pregnant women should refrain from sports and other types of physical activity. It is also advisable to prevent the body from overheating and avoid going to the bathhouse or sauna.

You should not take the hCG test if the patient has recently undergone any physiotherapeutic procedures, ultrasound and x-ray examinations, massage or similar medical procedures.

If the patient strictly adheres to the simple rules of preparing for the study, decoding blood tests for this tumor marker will give reliable results.

How to decipher the hCG analysis

The normal levels of the hCG tumor marker for a woman depend on whether she is pregnant or not; for men they are always the same.

HCG norm in the absence of pregnancy The norm for men and non-pregnant women is considered to be an indicator that does not exceed 5 mU/ml. If a blood test of a man or a non-pregnant woman shows an excessive concentration of the tumor marker beta hCG in the body, this may indicate the presence of the following diseases:

tumor diseases of the intestine;
testicular tumor;
neoplasms of the lungs, kidneys, uterus;
hydatidiform mole, relapse of this disease;
khorionkartsinoma;
taking medications that contain hCG.

Also, high hCG levels in a non-pregnant woman may indicate a recent abortion. In most cases, on days 4-5 after this operation, the concentration of antigen in the blood is increased.

HCG norm during pregnancy

Normal laboratory test results for the hCG tumor marker during pregnancy directly depend on the period; all indicators are given in mU/ml.

The norm for the first or second week of pregnancy is:
Normal results for the second or third week.
The norm for the third or fourth is –00.
Normal values for the fourth to fifth week are 000.
The norm for fifth-sixth-seventh is ––.
In the seventh or eighth week, indicators may fluctuate in the range of 000.
For the eighth-ninth week, the norm is considered to be a result in the range of -.
For the ninth-tenth –– 95000.
For the eleventh or twelfth – 90,000.
The norm for the thirteenth to fourteenth week is 60,000.
Normal results for the fifteenth to twenty-fifth week are 35,000.
The norm for the twenty-sixth – thirty-seventh week is 60,000.

If a test for hCG during pregnancy shows a serious increase in the antigen, going beyond the normal range, this may indicate the following situations:

multiple births;
toxicosis;
the expectant mother has diabetes;
incorrectly determined gestational age;
danger of developmental defects, pathologies in the fetus;
a woman taking synthetic gestagens.

Low blood test results for hCG in a pregnant woman may indicate that the gestational age was determined incorrectly. Also, such an analysis result may be a signal of the presence of severe violations:

ectopic pregnancy;
non-developing pregnancy;
danger of spontaneous abortion;
true post-term pregnancy;
fetal developmental delay;
fetal death (2-3 trimester);
chronic placental insufficiency.

In addition, an hCG antigen test can indicate the absence of this hormone in the blood. This result may indicate that the analysis was carried out too early. Also, a negative test result for this tumor marker may be a signal of an ectopic pregnancy in a woman.

In any case, the hCG rate should be determined by a doctor individually in conjunction with the results of other examinations.

Analysis for tumor markers thyroglobulin (TG)

Thyroglobulin is produced by the thyroid gland and is the main element of the thyroid colloid. TG serves as a marker for tumors that are present in the thyroid gland. AT-TG (antithyroglobulin antibodies) are antibodies to the protein - the precursor of thyroid hormones from which the thyroid gland is built.

Analysis for tumor markers of thyroglobulin is a blood test necessary in the process of monitoring cancer treatment, in the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.

Decoding the TG analysis

An increase in the concentration of thyroglobulin is possible in case of autoimmune and chronic thyroiditis, thyroid cancer and other complex diseases. A decrease in TG levels indicates tumors and degenerative processes in the thyroid gland, caused by tumors or removal of part of the gland.

What hCG for oncology

He took him carefully in his arms, and my son, in his sleep:

Put it back where you got it.

is formed in syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells. hCG

present in the blood of pregnant women from the beginning of cleavage

fertilized egg. Enhanced hormone synthesis begins at 6―

8th day after fertilization (from the moment of implantation), reaches a peak at

6-8 weeks of pregnancy.

hCG is produced in small concentrations outside of pregnancy

undifferentiated epithelial cells and adenohypophysis. Concentration

hCG in healthy men and non-pregnant women does not exceed 10 IU/l (if

The test system used is standardized according to the I International

reference preparation of hCG - Ist+IRP 75/537 - WHO).

Free α- and β-subunits are found in the blood, as well as

degraded free β-subunit. Modern laboratory methods

diagnostics make it possible to measure the concentrations of native and

glycosylated hCG molecules, free and degraded β-subunits

hCG, which is used for differential diagnosis of tumors.

1. Placental trophoblastic tumors.

Among placental trophoblastic tumors, the frequency of noninvasive

Chorioadenoma accounts for 1 in 2000 pregnancies, and invasive

Chorioadenomas and chorionepitheliomas - 1 pregnancy.

Chorioadenomas (hydatidiform mole) and chorionepitheliomas are often considered

like two stages of one disease.

Hydatidiform mole is a change in the chorion characterized by

cystic degeneration of its villi and proliferative processes in the superficial

epithelium of cyto- and syncytiotrophoblast. As a result of the fact that the changed villi

chorion cells produce more hCG than normal ones, with cystic

During pregnancy, the hormone is excreted 5-10 times more than normal.

An informative (with a sensitivity of 99%) method for diagnosing hydatidiform mole

is to determine the content of hCG in the blood and urine. hCG content in

blood levels are 3-5 times higher than normal. In this case, no physiological

decrease in hormone concentration in the 9-10th week of pregnancy.

After surgical removal of a hydatidiform mole, the level of hCG in biological

the patient's fluids decrease more slowly than after childbirth.

When detecting chorioadenoma, determination of hCG levels in the first year after

tumor removal should be carried out at least once a month, and after 2 years -

at least once every 3-4 months in order to exclude the development of chorionepithelioma.

Chorionepithelioma in women usually arises from the trophoblast, its primary localization is

uterus. In almost 50% of cases, chorionepithelioma develops after cystic

skidding Typically the tumor develops in the area of physiological implantation

fertilized egg, less often - in places of pathological implantation -

fallopian tube, ovary, peritoneum (ectopic chorionepithelioma).

Tumor cells are capable of active synthesis of hCG. Therefore the definition

diagnosis of this malignant disease. Test sensitivity

on hCG in this case is 100%. Particular caution should be observed when a positive reaction to hCG is detected 4–6 weeks after abortion or childbirth.

Germinomas are classified based on their location as gonadal and

extragonadal. In turn, gonadal germinomas are divided into seminomas

(40%), nonseminoma tumors (40%) and mixed tumors (20%), which

syncytiotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast giant cells. Nonseminomas

cells of histotypes of embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, chorionic carcinoma

and/or yolk sac carcinoma.

Due to the presence of embryonic tissue, germ cell tumors can

synthesize hCG and α-fetoprotein (AFP), as well as placental alkaline

phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. These markers are used for

diagnosis and monitoring of therapy for germ cell tumors.

The sensitivity of the hCG test is 100% for testicular carcinoma, up to 86% when combined with

AFP test - in the case of non-seminoma germ cell tumors and 7-14%

with seminomas. Germ cell tumors are the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 34 years, with an incidence of approximately 5 per. In women, about 90% of ovarian malignancies are epithelial tumors originating from the coelomic epithelium. From

the remaining 10% of neoplasms, most of them are germinogenic

The markers of choice in the presence of germ cell tumors of the ovary are hCG and AFP.

The expression of a particular marker depends on the degree of tumor differentiation and on

its histological type. Thus, tumors with trophoblastic elements

usually produce hCG, and undifferentiated tumors originating from

primordial germ cells, such as dysgerminoma, may not

synthesize the indicated markers.

High concentrations of hCG and/or AFP, as a rule, should be regarded as a poor prognosis for the outcome of the disease. It should be borne in mind that an increase in hCG concentration can be detected when

cancer of the stomach, intestines, genitourinary system, lungs, mammary glands, lymphomas.

Simultaneous determination of the concentration of hCG, glycosylated and free hCG

The β-subunit of hCG increases the sensitivity and specificity of the test when

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

To establish the fact of conception, women most often turn to various pregnancy tests for help. These tests give an almost instant result, but this result is not always true. Considering this fact, experts recommend hCG test, with which you can accurately determine pregnancy, and at the earliest stages of its development. What this analysis is and exactly how it needs to be taken, you can find out by reading this article.

What it is?

The hCG test is a test for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin in the body. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a special pregnancy hormone, which in some cases can be detected in the body of a man or a non-pregnant woman. At the moment of conception, the egg divides. During this process, an embryo and membranes are formed, one of which is called the chorion. It is the chorion ( embryo membrane) synthesizes human chorionic gonadotropin, which can be detected in a blood test. Outside of pregnancy, the presence of this hormone may indicate the development of some disease. It is often detected in women who have recently had an abortion.

The role of human chorionic gonadotropin in the first trimester of pregnancy

This hormone is necessary primarily to stimulate the synthesis of progesterone ( main hormone of the corpus luteum of the ovaries) and estrogens ( female sex hormones, which are produced by the ovarian follicles, placenta, partially adrenal cortex and testes). Subsequently, the synthesis of these same hormones is carried out by the placenta. If the fetus is male, then human chorionic gonadotropin also takes part in the synthesis Leydig cells (interstitial cells located in the testicular stroma around the convoluted seminiferous tubules), which in turn produce testosterone ( main male sex hormone). Testosterone in this case is really necessary, since it is what contributes to the formation of male genital organs. In addition, this hormone has a beneficial effect on the adrenal cortex of the embryo.

Composition of human chorionic gonadotropin

HCG consists of two units - alpha - And beta - HCG. The beta component is unique, but alpha has a structure that is similar to the structure of units of some other hormones. Based on this, during diagnosis, special attention is paid to beta.

Indications for analysis

Among women:

Suspicion of ectopic pregnancy;
Assessment of the completeness of induced abortion;
Determining the fact of conception in the early stages;
Diagnosis of fetal defects;
Risk of miscarriage ;
Suspicions of an undeveloped pregnancy;
Suspicions of malignant neoplasms;
Tracking your pregnancy progress.

For men:

Diagnosis of testicular tumors.

Norms of human chorionic gonadotropin

This table shows the norms of the beta component during different periods of pregnancy.
Indicators are measured in honey/ml:

In men and non-pregnant women, the norm is from 0 to 5.

Decoding

Looking at the table, it can be noted that a gradual increase in the level of the pregnancy hormone up to 7 - 11 weeks is the norm. After this, its amount begins to slowly decrease, which is again quite natural. At the same time, specialists are often able to note an excessive increase or decrease in normal values.

An increase in beta indicators during pregnancy can be observed with:

Diabetes mellitus in the mother;
Multiple births;
The mother's intake of synthetic gestagens ( hormones that regulate pregnancy);
Gestose ( complications of a normal pregnancy, characterized by disorders of a number of organs and systems of the body);
Toxicosis ( nausea and vomiting in the morning);
Incorrectly determined gestational age;
Various fetal diseases;
Down syndrome ( pathology, in which most often the karyotype is represented by 47 chromosomes instead of the normal 46) in the fetus;
Numerous fetal malformations.

An increase in beta indicators outside pregnancy and in men is possible with:

Tumor formations in the gastrointestinal tract;
Cancer of the kidneys, lungs or uterus;
Carrying out the analysis within 4 - 5 days after the abortion;
Testicular tumors;
Hydatidiform mole ( a product of conception in which normal development of the embryo does not occur, and the placental villi grow in the form of blisters filled with fluid) or its relapses;
Use of chorionic gonadotropin preparations;
Chorionic carcinoma ( malignant form of trophoblastic disease that occurs after hydatidiform mole, normal abortion and childbirth).

Low beta levels may indicate:

Incorrect timing of pregnancy;
Delay in fetal development;
Undeveloped pregnancy;
Fetal death in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy;
Ectopic pregnancy;
Threat of miscarriage;
True post-term pregnancy;
Chronic placental insufficiency ( a condition in which there is a decrease in blood flow in the fetal aorta).

Once you receive the results of this analysis, under no circumstances try to decipher them yourself. Sign up for a consultation with a specialist who will compare these results with data from other studies and provide you with the correct transcript.

When should this test be taken?

You can take the test already on the 3rd - 5th day of missed menstruation or on the 12th day after the expected conception. It is not recommended to carry it out at an earlier date, since the results of the analysis during this period are most often inaccurate. To identify fetal diseases in pregnant women, experts recommend testing from 14 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.

How to get tested correctly?

Blood for analysis is taken from a vein. It must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. At any other time of the day, blood can be donated no earlier than 4 to 5 hours after eating. Before taking the test, it is important to inform your doctor about the medications you are currently taking, of course, if any.
Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Reviews

Hello!
Please tell me, on June 20, 2018, my husband and I didn’t use protection, our last period was on June 10, 2018, then I went to the seaside for a week, on the train on June 29, 2018, I noticed blood on the pad, it didn’t bleed anymore, just out of curiosity, I got tested for HCG on 07/03/2018, the result is 0.45 mmel, last month I took a test 5 days before my period, it showed 0.31 mmel, can I assume that I am pregnant? because I took the test before the ash was delayed by 7-8 days, took the test during the day and the hCG readings increased by 0.14 units from the last test. could this indicate pregnancy? thanks in advance

Hello. Help me answer the question. The hCG tests came back - beta. The doctor said the tests were bad, but did not comment.. 95835 mIU/ml.
MoM - 4.48. Please help me with the answer. and what to do, how to be???((((

Girls, this is the second time I have an ectopic, I think, my hCG is normal 1700, they can’t find the fetus on an ultrasound, my lower abdomen hurts for God’s sake and it can periodically, so I’m going to take the hCG again on Monday, but I have no doubt that I have an ectopic. So soon there will be another operation, girls, the main thing is not to worry and think about the good.

Hello! Please tell me. The doctor prescribed me to take duphaston from 16 to 25 days. with a cycle of 30-32 days. As far as I understand, this drug should be taken after ovulation, and I had it on the 17th-18th day of my pregnancy (I tracked it by ultrasound). Can taking duphaston affect ovulation or not? And how to find out on the 25th day m.c. Is there a pregnancy, because the hCG blood test won’t really show anything yet. But it’s scary to stop taking duphaston, because... may cause miscarriage. P.s. Duphaston was prescribed due to luteal phase deficiency.

Good afternoon
Please tell me! Estimated date of conception 03/20/2015, cycle 28 days, 04/04/2015 menstruation did not start, I took two tests, both weakly positive. 04/08/2015 hCG analysis showed 1026.29 mIU/ml. What does it mean? I am pregnant?
Thank you in advance!!!

Hello, I feel nauseous in the morning, everything is fine during the day, but in the evening I ate and my stomach is bloated, aching in the lower part, weakness, everything is irritated wildly and so on for 3 days in a row, is it worth getting tested?

Hello, the tests have arrived:
b - total hCG is 20319 mU/ml, tell me, am I pregnant and how long is it? I really want a baby......

Hello! Yesterday I had a vaginal ultrasound of the pelvis (as there was a nagging pain in the lower abdomen and spotting). I was told that there was a bend in the uterus and possibly a cyst on the left ovary. I took a test today and it was positive. What does it mean if the ultrasound doesn't see anything?

Hello! Can a beta-hCG test show the sex of a child at an early stage? Or what kind of analysis can show it at an early stage? Please answer, I’ll wait, thank you.

Please help me, I’m 3 days late. Today I donated blood for hCG and showed 14 mU/ml. What does it mean? Thank you in advance!

Hello! My last period started on October 23, 2014. Today I donated blood for hCG, the result is 203. Judging by the norms, this is 2-3 weeks, but according to my calculations, it’s already the fourth. Is it possible?

Hello, please tell me!! I have 5 pregnancy tests (from different companies) that are positive, but the stripes are very weak, today I donated blood for hCG and went to the gynecologist and did an ultrasound, but they didn’t see anything. In the evening the hCG result came back, 14 mU/ml.... is this pregnancy????

Tell me, could this be an ectopic? My last period was on September 25th. days when my husband and I did not use protection 8.9.10 October. The delay is already 13 days. I began to smear inside on November 3. Today they don’t see pregnancy on an ultrasound, although the test has two stripes, one of them is less pronounced. what is this uterine? Or is it still a short period of 3-4 weeks and they might not see the fetus on ultrasound?

Doesn't it look like pregnancy?

Hello, I have one question for you, my periods start differently but I don’t have them either in September or October, please tell me what this means and I feel nauseous

Hello! I have this situation! I have a 27-day cycle, my period lasts for 5 days! My last period was on September 04, already on October 8, there is no 8-day delay, yesterday I had an ultrasound showing the uterus was empty, the tests were also negative, I don’t even know what to think! The ultrasound said that there was ovulation 1-1.5 weeks ago late! Is there any point in donating blood for hCG tomorrow?

Is it possible to determine at an early stage of pregnancy who the father of the child is?

Hello.
I have this situation - my boyfriend and I have been planning a little one for a long time, so we do it often and he cums inside me every time, my periods always come on time! 2-3 always start, that is, at the beginning. but this time they didn’t come, they’ve been gone for a month, today is 31, I took a test somewhere in the middle of the month, at first two bright ones appeared, then one was bright, and the other faded, became barely noticeable, I decided that I was B, Then I took tests every week and today, but for some reason they were all negative. With what it can be connected? and no periods or anything. maybe it's too early? write please. I didn’t go to the doctor. I live far from the city

Good evening. Please tell me. Last May 29, 2014 cycle 28 for 6 days. On the 9th day of the delay (07/03/14) I went for an ultrasound, the doctor did not see the fertilized egg, donated blood for hCG, the hCG response on 07/03 was 224 mU/ml, I came for a repeat ultrasound on 07/07, the doctor again saw nothing, but the hCG on this day was already 1045 mU/ml, they suspected VB, repeated ultrasound was on July 10, a fertilized egg was found in the uterus measuring 5 mm, hCG on July 9 was 2270 mU/ml, they set a very short period, they assume that there was late ovulation, I don’t know what to think, what time Does the size of the fertilized egg and the hCG level correspond? Before this I had a TB on 12/17/13, I’m very worried. Thank you in advance.

Good evening, I had my period on 09/28/13. With a cycle of 28-30 days, I went to the bridle and there was nothing, but 2 tests showed one normal and the other a lighter stripe. How is this to be understood?

– a special hormone that is used to diagnose the presence of pregnancy, the quality of its course and the development of its possible complications. In addition, it is used as a tumor marker to search for malignant neoplasms of embryonic origin in the body.

Many people do not know exactly what hCG is and constantly ask their doctors about it. The molecular structure of the protein consists of two subunits - alpha and beta. The result of the hCG analysis is based on the identification of the last fragment of the chain. Total beta-hCG remains a unique protein that can be determined using appropriate reagents.

The process of establishing the concentration of the corresponding hormone is very important in modern medical practice. is the most reliable and proven test for determining pregnancy. Already starting from 6-7 days, the concentration of this biologically active substance begins to increase, reaching its peak at approximately 11-12 weeks of gestation.

The hCG analysis itself during pregnancy involves the study of two biological fluids from the body. A person can submit for diagnosis:

Blood.
I'm peeing.

The first option is considered more universal, since it is used to analyze hCG, deciphering the indicators in both men and women. In the second case, testing is relevant only for pregnant women. The hormone, or rather the B fraction of hCG, penetrates the renal barrier and enters the urine, where it is determined 1-2 days later than a similar substance in the blood. Modern pregnancy tests are based precisely on this mechanism for detecting the hCG norm.

The blood test itself is carried out in vitro (in vitro) using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Testing requires 5 ml of venous blood. The results of the hCG analysis will most often be ready within 24 hours after the collection of biological material.

Interpretation of analyzes

Diagnosis of pregnancy, fetal malformations, or the occurrence of various complications in the process of bearing a baby is not the only direction in which the hormone is used. It has proven to be a good tumor marker for identifying malignant neoplasms with active endocrine function or embryonic origin.

However, donating blood for testing is not enough. How to decipher the analysis? This is the question that interests most people, patients or pregnant women who, for one reason or another, undergo appropriate laboratory diagnostics.

It all depends on the purpose for which the diagnosis was carried out. If the study data is deciphered as part of determining the presence of pregnancy, then they will not coincide with the norms for similar testing for the development of cancer. In any case, the patient's interest in human chorionic gonadotropin should be supported by a qualified assessment by a physician.

Weekly results of hCG analysis in pregnant women

Since hCG analysis is most often carried out in women who are carrying a fetus, it is better to start with this diagnostic method. A fertilized embryo, in the process of attachment to the endometrium and development in the uterine wall, releases large doses of the corresponding hormone. Then the protein is synthesized by the placenta.

HCG of 1-5 weeks demonstrates the highest growth activity in the body until 11-12, after which it gradually decreases. b-hCG is determined in the blood using special methods and chemical reactions; the total concentration of this hormone is the sum of both of its fractions. is unique and has characteristic effects on the body. Therefore, it is easier to find in biological material.

The table below shows the increase in hormone levels each week of pregnancy. The decoding of hCG is usually carried out by a doctor, but often expectant mothers independently learn to distinguish the corresponding meanings:

Gestation period, weeks	HCG value, mIU/ml
Non-pregnant woman	0 - 5
Questionable result	5 - 25
3-4	25 - 156
4-5	101 - 4870
5-6	1110 - 31500
6-7	2560 - 82300
7-8	23100 - 151000
8-9	27300 - 233000
9-13	20900 - 291000
13-18	6140 - 103000
18-23	4720 - 80100
23-41	2700 - 78100

The hCG test, or rather its results, can sometimes differ. Much depends on the capabilities and method of its determination in a particular laboratory. So, for example, in the table above you can see specific units of measurement of protein in the blood. Sometimes another indicator is found - IU/l. They can replace each other. 1 mIU/ml = 1 IU/l.

There are situations when, due to certain peculiarities of the work of a particular laboratory, you need to wait longer than usual for test results. This may be due to the workload of the institution itself or a lack of reagents. In any case, the average duration for obtaining final data is 24 hours.

It is also worth noting that the first pregnancy test taken is not always reliable. Due to the individual characteristics of a woman’s body, or errors in the work of medical personnel, sometimes it is necessary to undergo appropriate diagnostics not once, but two or three times. If the second test gives an incorrect result, then you should change the laboratory.

An important feature of the increase in the amount of the hormone in the body of a pregnant woman is that hCG begins to actively increase at 1 or 2 weeks of gestation. Up to week 5, it doubles every 36 hours, which is shown in the table above. If this does not happen, then the doctor has the right to suspect some kind of pathology.

Possible reasons for increased hormone levels

HCG results can vary quite widely. However, if they seriously exceed the specified norms at a certain stage of pregnancy, this may indicate the presence of some kind of disorder. In addition, we must not forget that hCG as a tumor marker also plays a serious role, although this is not relevant during pregnancy.

Situations in which analyzes may not meet the standards, but significantly exceed them, are:

Errors in establishing the real gestational age and that calculated by doctors.
Prolongation of gestation beyond 42 weeks.
Early toxicosis. After 1-2 weeks, hCG can already significantly exceed normal values, which will cause the progression of characteristic symptoms.
Taking medications that contain hCG.
The presence of a genetic disease in the fetus that requires more careful diagnosis.

In all these situations, the main marker remains hCG, which should be deciphered by an experienced, qualified doctor. Otherwise, there remains a high risk of diagnostic error.

If we talk about the hormone as a tumor marker, then its increase in the blood of non-pregnant women and men may indicate the presence of a malignant neoplasm. Normally, in the absence of pregnancy, an hCG result within 0-1 IU/l is considered normal. An increase to 5 IU/l is possible, but no more. Otherwise, a number of the following pathologies can be suspected:

Choriocarcinoma or its recurrence after treatment.
Bubble drift.
Seminoma or testicular teratoma in men.
Neoplasms in the digestive tract or lungs.
Tumors of the uterus, kidneys.
Abortion a few days ago.

If the hCG result is less/equal to 1-2 IU/l, then it can be regarded as normal. If there are significant fluctuations in these indicators, additional diagnostics must be carried out.

Possible reasons for the decrease in hormone levels

Since protein is used in medicine as a tumor marker, an indicator of the quality of pregnancy and the presence of various disorders, it is also worth knowing when the amount of the hormone in the blood may decrease.

Similar situations include:

Attachment of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity. In such cases, the hCG result of 1 week will immediately be too low, which will allow one to suspect a problem.
Frozen pregnancy.
Placental insufficiency.
High risk of miscarriage. In this condition, deciphering the results will demonstrate a decrease in the concentration of the hormone up to 50% of its required amount at a given time.
Death of the fetus.

In all these cases, the deciphered hCG analysis will show too low values, which should necessarily alert doctors and cause additional diagnostics with the choice of the appropriate treatment method.

Additional nuances

Despite the seriousness of the above pathologies, you need to understand that deviations in laboratory diagnostic results are not always associated only with the presence of a particular disease. Very often, even a simple mistake by personnel can lead to distortion of indicators.

Additional factors that can change the concentration of hCG in the blood, but are not pathological conditions, remain:

Errors in mechanical delivery of biological material.
Incorrect calculation of gestational age.
Irregularity of a woman's menstrual cycle.
Untimely attachment of the embryo to the endometrium.

That is why you always need to understand the imaginary nature of the final results. In addition, the concentration of hCG in the blood is never the basis for establishing a particular diagnosis. You always need to examine the patient much more deeply.

One way or another, a qualified doctor must decipher the test results. Only he will be able to comprehensively assess the condition of a woman or patient, prescribe appropriate accompanying tests and decide on the need to choose one or another treatment method. The main thing is not to panic, but to be examined methodically to determine the reason for the fluctuation in test results.

Bibliography

Clinical recommendations. Obstetrics and gynecology. Savelyeva G.M., Serov V.N., Sukhikh G.T. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.
Anomalies of labor: a guide for doctors. UMO stamp for medical education. Podtetenev A.D., Strizhova N.V. 2006 Publisher: MIA.
Atlas of ultrasound diagnostics in obstetrics and gynecology. Dubile P., Benson K.B. 2009 Publisher: MEDpress-inform.
Intrauterine infection: Management of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. UMO stamp for medical education. Sidorova I.S., Makarov I.O., Matvienko N.A. 2008 Publisher: MEDpress.
Clinical guidelines for contraception. /Translation from English/ Edited by Professor V.N. Prilepskaya - 2009, M.: BINOM Publishing House.
Ascending infection of the fetoplacental system. Glukhovey B.I. 2006, Publisher: MEDpress-inform.

Tumor markers or tumor markers are specific proteins or derivatives that are produced by cancer cells during their growth and development in the body. The tumor process promotes the production of a special kind of substances, which, by the nature of the functions they perform, are radically different from the substances produced by the normal body. In addition, they can be produced in quantities that significantly exceed the norm. During the analysis of the oncological process, these substances are detected. If oncology develops in the body, the number of tumor markers increases significantly; due to this circumstance, these substances prove the oncological nature of the disease. Depending on the nature of the tumor, tumor markers also differ.

Is it possible to detect cancer in the early stages, and how to recognize its development and the tendency to form a tumor in the body?

For early diagnosis of cancer, medicine is looking for new ways to detect oncology. In modern medicine, it is possible to determine the onset of tumor development using tumor markers.

Tumor markers are specific proteins that can be detected in blood and urine during laboratory tests. These diagnostic substances are secreted by tumor cells. Tumor markers are protein substances that are found in the blood or urine of people with cancer or a predisposition to it.

Cancer cells release tumor markers into the blood from the moment the tumor begins to develop, this determines the diagnosis of the disease even at the preclinical stage. The value of tumor markers is used to judge both the presence of a malignant process and the effect of the selected treatment tactics. Also, with the help of tumor markers, the onset of relapse of the disease can be determined.

Discovery History

The date of birth of tumor markers is considered to be 1845, it was then that a specific protein was discovered, which was named Ben Jones. It was first discovered during a urine test, and the doctor Ben-Jones himself at that time was a young and promising specialist and worked in London at St. George's Hospital. It was during this period that biochemistry, and with it immunology, developed at tremendous speed, which made it possible to subsequently identify an even larger number of proteins, which subsequently became tumor markers. At that time, no more than two dozen tumor markers were used in practical healthcare. Nowadays there are more than 200 types of tumor markers. Some of them are quite specific, which makes it possible to determine the location of the tumor based on the analysis value. But it is worth noting that non-oncological diseases can also lead to an increase in tumor markers.

In Russia, it served as a model for the detection of tumor markers. When studying the protein composition of cancer cells, scientists thought that they would discover protein antigens of the virus that allegedly caused the disease. How surprised they were when they learned that the liver cancer marker is nothing more than AFP alpha-fetoprotein, which is normally produced by placental tissue during pregnancy. Over the years, it became clear that the amount of this protein is also increased at. It was this marker that first began to be used for diagnosis and was widely introduced into medical practice.

Blood test for tumor markers, how to take it and what is needed to take it?

Only the attending physician should prescribe the test.
Before collecting material, certain rules must be observed, namely: blood is donated only in the morning, and the last meal should be taken 8-12 hours before blood collection.
3 days before sampling, you must stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
Fried and fatty foods, pickled and smoked foods should be excluded from the diet.
It is very important that the patient does not overwork physically the day before the blood test.
It is worth excluding the use of all medications except those necessary for health reasons (after consultation with your doctor).
When taking some tests, you should avoid sexual intercourse for the time specified by your doctor.

Why do you need a blood test for tumor markers?

Tumor markers are represented by enzymes, proteins, hormones or antigens that are secreted only by specific cancer cells and are not similar to each other. Some tumors may produce several tumor markers, while others may produce only one. So, a marker such as CA 19-9 indicates that the oncological process has affected the pancreas and stomach. And tests for tumor markers allow you to carefully monitor the tumor, evaluate the dynamics of both conservative and surgical treatment, their results and future prospects.

Analysis price

Currently, the cost of determining various tumor markers ranges from 200 to 3000 rubles.
Each laboratory institution sets its own prices for the test performed, since the level of complexity of the analysis, the price of reagents, etc. are taken into account.

Most frequently identified tumor markers

It is also determined, which increases with the development of myeloma and some (tumors of the hematopoietic system). Its quantity predicts the outcome of the disease; at a level above 3 ng/ml, it is not entirely favorable. Marker CA 15-3, CA 27.29 indicates development. As the disease progresses, its amount increases; it is also determined in some other diseases.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) indicates the development, but also characterizes either the mammary glands, liver, or. And what’s most surprising is that it can also occur in healthy smokers. This marker is not specific, but tissue polypeptide antigen is characteristic only of lung cancer.

Method of determination

Prostate-specific antigen requires blood or serum, and often prostate juice or urine is taken for testing. It can also be used to search for tumor markers or the urethra, and blood will also be needed for the study.

What are the most common types of cancer and tumor markers?

Name	Most specific marker	Other markers	Purpose of the study	Use for early stage/screening diagnostics	The need for additional diagnostic methods
Bladder cancer	BTA, NMP22	CEA, CA 125, CA 19 9		No	+ (cystoscopy, biopsy, cytological examination of urine)
Breast cancer	CA15 3, CEA	CA 27.29	Treatment control	No	+ (mammography, tomography, biopsy)
Rectal cancer	SEA, SA 19 9	-	Monitoring treatment, detecting relapses, assessing prognosis	No	+ (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, feces for occult blood)
Liver cancer	AFP	-	Diagnostics, treatment control	No Yes	+ (biopsy, ultrasound, tomography)
Lungs' cancer	SEA,	TPA	Monitoring treatment, detecting relapses	No	+ (X-ray studies, tomography)
Melanoma	TA 90, SU 100	-	Metastasis, progression	No	+ (biopsy)
Ovarian cancer	CA 125	SA 72-4, LASA-P, AFP	Monitoring treatment, detecting relapses	No/screening for high-risk groups	+ (ultrasound, biopsy)
Pancreas cancer	SA 19 9	PAP, PSMA	Monitoring treatment, detecting relapses	No	+ (ultrasound, tomography)

In 2/3 of patients, AFP alpha-fetoprotein often increases, which is a tumor marker of liver cancer and increases as the tumor process grows. In addition, this liver tumor marker increases in acute and chronic hepatitis, and sometimes in ovarian or cancer, but this category of patients accounts for no more than 5%.

During development or lymphomas, beta - 2 - microglobulin is determined and it is this tumor marker that is prognostic for survival.

The presence of CA 15 3 and CA 27.29 indicates breast cancer, but at the initial stage of the disease they exceed the norm slightly. As it progresses, the rate increases.

CA 125 indicates ovarian cancer and is elevated in most patients; it is this tumor marker of ovarian cancer that allows a preliminary diagnosis to be made at the stage of medical examination. But it can also be increased in other gynecological diseases or, as well as in people who have had cancer. Also detected as a marker of ovarian cancer and LASA-P, but they can also be present in gastrointestinal oncology.

CA 19 9 is characteristic of damage to the pancreas, as well as with the effectiveness of treatment. This marker can increase with, or bile ducts.

The level of blood sampling to identify tumor markers should be:

during the first year after treatment, 1 time per month;
during the second year after treatment, once every two months;
during the third year after treatment 1 time;
over the next 3–5 years - twice a year, and then annually.

In this regard, it should be noted that deviations in the levels of one or more tumor markers in tumor diseases occur in 80-90% of patients with cancer, but this does not always indicate that an increase in the concentration of cancer markers leads to an increase in tumor.

Norm and interpretation of tumor markers

PSA – prostate-specific antigen, prostate tumor marker

Tumor marker PSA

In the blood of men, determination of the level of antigen must be carried out after reaching 40 years of age, especially for those who have had even slight hyperplasia of the prostate gland (prostate). An increased level of antigen to high numbers clearly indicates. However, it can also be increased in cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy), prostatitis, and trauma to the prostate gland.

The normal PSA level in the blood is up to 4 ng/l.

An increase in PSA values is observed when:

prostate cancer;
prostatitis of an infectious nature;
prostate adenoma.

Important! All men over 50 years of age are recommended to take a PSA test once a year.

Determined in blood:

bound PSA (with blood proteins);
free PSA (not bound to blood proteins).

The total content of free and bound PSA is taken into account - total PSA.

In cancer, free PSA is lower than in benign tumors.

Calcitonin and thyroglobulin

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and thyroglobulin is a protein produced by the thyroid gland. These two connections are markers. Having monitored the level of people who have benign thyroid nodules, we can say that no increase was detected in them.

Normal indicators and interpretation of the results of the tumor marker AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)

Tumor marker AFP

Blood test for (alpha-fetoprotein, alfa-Fetoprotein) - a tumor marker, which is a glycoprotein of fetal cells. The tumor marker is a glycoprotein in chemical structure and is similar to albumin. Its level is mainly increased in pregnant women and newborns. In other cases, the interpretation of increased AFP most likely implies a primary cancer (not as a result of metastasis of another type of cancer) of the liver.

Normal: up to 10 ng/ml, (8 IU/ml), content above 10 IU/ml is an indicator of pathology. To convert the units of the analysis result, you can use the formulas: ng/ml = IU/ml x 1.21 or IU/ml = ng/ml x 0.83.

If the levels of this marker are elevated, one should suspect the presence of:

tumors in the liver;
metastatic liver lesions with primary lesions of the mammary glands;
lung cancer, gastrointestinal tract (cancer of the rectum and sigmoid colon);
tumor processes in the ovaries in women and in the testicles in men.

Other diseases in which AFP levels may increase:

hepatitis;
cirrhosis of the liver;
liver toxicity;
inflammatory bowel diseases.
during pregnancy with the development of fetal defects.

Location of AFP localization:

blood plasma;
bile;
pleural fluid;
amniotic fluid;
ascitic fluid in the abdominal cavity.

AFP and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Blood test for AFP and hCG markers

Characteristic of embryonal or ovarian cancers is an increased level of AFP and. It may also be elevated during pregnancy, marijuana use, liver cirrhosis, testicular failure, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Norm<2,5 Ед/л.

CA 15-3 – breast tumor marker

Tumor marker CA 15-5

(carbohydrate antigen) - this type of marker usually increases in breast cancer (without increasing in the early stages), as well as in lung cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial and bladder cancer.

Norm: 9.2-38 U/l, in some laboratories – 0-22 U/ml.

In 80% of breast cancer cases that have metastasized, this tumor marker is increased. Also, the content of the tumor marker CA 15-3 is informative for monitoring the treatment.

Used to identify:

breast cancer;
lung and bronchial cancer;
cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and liver;
late stages of cancer of the female reproductive organs.

An increase in marker level can occur when:

benign neoplasms and inflammatory diseases of the mammary glands;
liver cirrhosis;
hepatitis;
lupus;
tuberculosis;
not breast cancer;
in the 2nd half of pregnancy, as a physiological surge;
autoimmune processes.

Tumor marker CA 19-9

It is a carbohydrate antigen - this tumor marker is mainly elevated in cancer of the pancreas, liver, stomach, gall bladder, and bile ducts. In such cases, where there is pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation or obstruction of the biliary tract, it may increase. The analysis for pancreatic tumors is considered the most informative; its specificity is 82%. For tumors of the biliary system and liver it is specific in 72% of cases.

The normal level in the blood is 0-37 U/ml. If it rises above 40 IU/ml, it is considered dangerous.

Using a blood test for the tumor marker CA 19-9, you can determine:

malignant processes of the gastrointestinal tract;
cancer of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts;
cancer of the reproductive system in women and breasts;
bladder cancer.

Among non-malignant tumors, CA 19-9 increases in the case of:

inflammatory liver diseases;
diseases of the biliary tract and gallbladder;
cystic fibrosis.

Blood test for tumor marker CA 125

Blood test for CA 125 marker

– common in diseases such as ovarian, breast, colon and rectal, uterine, cervical, pancreatic, liver and lung cancers. It has properties to increase during pregnancy and menopause, the presence of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, peritonitis, pleurisy, after surgery or puncture of the abdominal cavity.

Normal: 4.0-8.8 × 109/l (0-30 IU/ml).

It should be noted that there are two types of reasons for conducting analysis for the CA 125 tumor marker:

diagnosis of ovarian pathology, screening of neoplasms;
Diagnosed pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

If the CA 125 tumor marker is present, the decoding indicates oncopathology or somatic pathology.

With an increased level of this tumor marker, decoding determines the following oncological processes:

cancer of the ovaries (up to 80% of cases), fallopian tubes, uterus, endometrium;
liver cancer;
lung cancer;
cancer of the stomach, rectum, pancreas;
malignant breast formations.

An increased concentration of the tumor marker CA 125 may indicate a somatic pathology:

endometriosis;
inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages;
cystic formations of the ovaries;
pleurisy, peritonitis;
liver cirrhosis, chronic forms of hepatitis;
chronic pancreatitis;
autoimmune pathology.

Tumor marker 72-4

Tumor marker studies 72-4

Informative in determining stomach cancer. It is also possible to confirm the authenticity of the development of tumor processes in the lungs and ovaries. Normal: up to 6.9 U/ml.

An increase in values above normal is typical for:

malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract;
cancer of the ovaries, uterus, mammary glands;
pancreatic cancer.

Increased values are also determined when:

inflammatory gynecological processes;
cysts and fibrous changes in the ovaries;
inflammatory changes in the liver and liver cirrhosis;
autoimmune processes in the body.

Tumor marker (Cyfra 21-1)

Tumor marker Cyfra 21-1

Tumor marker Cytokeratin 19 fragment (Cyfra 21-1). The most specific marker in the diagnosis of bladder cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Quite often it is prescribed simultaneously with CEA.

Normal: up to 3.3 ng/l.

Cyfra 21-1 value increases when:

bladder cancer;
lung and bronchial cancer;
malignant tumors of the mediastinum.

Also, an increased tumor marker Cyfra 21-1 can be observed in chronic inflammatory processes of the liver and lungs.

CEA, CEA (CANCER-EMBRYONAL ANTIGEN CEA, ANTIGEN CD66E): norm and interpretation of results

CEA REA markers

() is a non-specific marker. Produced by developing cells of the fetal digestive tract. In the adult population it is produced in minimal levels.

If this marker increases above 20 ng/ml, one should suspect:

development of a tumor in the gastrointestinal tract (cancer of the stomach, pancreas, liver);
bladder and kidney cancer;
some thyroid tumors;
cervix;
ovaries;
mammary gland.

An increase in tumor marker is affected by smoking, pancreatitis, hepatitis, intestinal inflammation, gastrointestinal ulcers, hypothyroidism, liver cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive process of the biliary tract.

The norm is up to 5 ng/ml. (in some cases - up to 6.3 ng/ml), a slight increase in CEA is also observed in smokers.

An increase in level above 100 ng/ml indicates metastatic cancer.

When the CEA level is up to 10 ng/ml, the following are observed:

pathological processes in the liver;
intestines, Crohn's disease;
pancreatic diseases;
tuberculosis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis;
postoperative metastatic process.

Tumor marker CA 242

Tumor marker for pancreatic cancer. More specific marker compared to CA 19-9.

Normal: up to 30 IU/ml.

Informative video

Monitoring tumor markers in cancer treatment

Tumor markers play a very important role in cancer therapy. Specialists who monitor changes in the levels of specific tumor markers can also monitor the results of patient treatment.

What question should you ask your doctor after conducting a blood (urine) test for tumor markers?

The first thing any patient should be interested in is whether the tumor markers are elevated?
If there is an increase, then for which tumor marker and what could this mean for further diagnosis, as well as prognosis for the development of the disease?
If you have oncology and have been tested for markers, is it necessary to adjust the prescribed treatment or what is available is quite effective?
It is also necessary to have information about how often to get tested for tumor markers.

There is no need to be shy about asking questions; in some cases, they will help save lives, as well as early diagnose such a formidable disease as cancer, which is on the list of leaders in the number of deaths in human lives.