Tumor Markers with Different Results
I just got back results on 3 tests. The Ca 15-3 test and the CEA test were both normal. However the CA 27-29 test came back as high (57). Anyone have any experience like this? Of course being Saturday, I will have to wait until Monday to talk with my oncologist.
I am 2.5 years out from surgery. This is the first time he ordered these tests. I take anastrozole and Kisqali. I feel fine. I exercise a lot. But now I am fearful that I have mets. I was feeling good, even relaxed, not constantly worried about cancer and now that peaceful place is gone.
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Most oncologists don't even run the CA 27.29 test for early stage BC because they're unreliable, but mine does. I hate it! That said, my number in Nov '23 jumped from 33 to 48. My number was always on the higher end of normal, but never out of range (>38) but now it was.
I had a retest 2 months later and it went down to 43 (still out of range.)
I tested again in May and it went down to 30.
I'd like to also add, if you take biotin, have ovarian cysts, been sick or have any inflammation, your number can elevate. So, the numbers can elevate for benign reasons.
Hope this helps a little.
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Thank you. Yes, I do have an ovarian cyst. I have to wait another day to hear from my oncologist due to the holiday. Ugh. Waiting is a tense time. I feel fine so this result was a surprise.
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I know how you feel. I have my check up on Wednesday, and the routine blood test will include CA 27.29. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Keep us updated. I'm sure all is okay.
Lisa
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I have a PET scan in a couple of days.
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tnsplayer,
How was your PET scan?
I had my routine last week. My CA 27.29 was 40. All other tests and CEA were within range. My doctor doesn't seem concerned. I, on the other hand started to stress, but I have to let it go, knowing how unreliable and super sensitive this test is. My number last year was 48, then 43 and finally 30. I feel if something was going on, it would have been in the hundreds by now. Also, I noticed a note under the result from the lab stating:
"The CA 27.29 result may be increased on average 5-10%, relative to results previously obtained with this method due to a recent calibrator adjustment made in October 2024 by the reagent manufacturer. In the low range for this assay (<38 u/ml) , this increase may be greater than 20%."
After reading this, I felt better. Maybe the increase was due to this calibration. I'm hoping that's what it was.
I'm hoping your scan is negative.
Lisa
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Yes! My PET scan was all clear. No cancer anywhere.
I don't know why the Ca 27 29 was high but I have learned that exposure to mice can cause a false positive. The test was developed using mouse antigens. I was in a national park cabin and later a mouse was spotted in that cabin. Could be.
But at least I have been completely scanned and I am in the clear.
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I'm so happy to hear this!!!!
Mouse antigens can cause an elevation. We need to keep in mind that lots of things can cause this increase, but it's still stressful to see that number out of range.
Now put it past you and enjoy life!!
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