Definition

CA 72-4 test is a test to measure the level of CA 72-4 in blood. CA 72-4 (Carbohydrate Antigen 72-4) or cancer antigen is an antigen produced by the body. CA 72-4 can be found in parts of the body's cells, such as the lungs, breast, colon, ovaries, and pancreas. However, CA 72-4 is more produced in the stomach than other body cells.

The CA 72-4 test can be used to diagnose stomach or gastric cancer. Stomach cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. In the early stages, stomach cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms, so often a person is diagnosed with stomach cancer after entering the end stage.

In addition to the CA 72-4 test, the doctor will usually perform other tumor markers such as CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen), CA 19-9 or CA 15-3 to confirm the diagnosis.

Indications

Your doctor will recommend this test if you are suspected of stomach cancer, symptoms may include:

• Belly pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Bloating
• Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
• Unexpected weight loss
• Feeling very tired

In addition, the CA 72-4 test can also be used to:

• Monitoring the effectiveness of ongoing cancer treatment
• Help to diagnose ovarian cancer
• Help to diagnose gastrointestinal cancer
• Monitor for possible recurrence
• Postoperative evaluation

CA 72-4 screening may also be performed if you have risk factors for developing stomach cancer, including:

• Family history of stomach cancer
• Smoking
• Gastric infection caused by H.pylori bacteria
• A diet high in salt
• A diet low in fiber
• Having GERD, gastritis or stomach polyps

Contraindication

There are no contraindications or conditions that prevent a person from having a CA 72-4 test.

Preparations Prior to Test 

The CA 72-4 test doesn't require any special preparation. This test can be done without fasting. However, you are advised to consult your doctor before taking this test because there are certain conditions that may interfere with the laboratory results so that it may not reflect your actual condition.

You can provide information about any medications or supplements that you are currently taking. Usually, the doctor will ask you to stop taking the medication before the tests.

Test Procedures

The CA 72-4 test generally uses a blood serum sample of 0.25 - 0.5 ml. This blood serum sample is taken from a vein and will be collected into a special tube. Laboratory staff will wear special gloves and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when taking the test sample.

Before taking the blood, the staff will put on an elastic band and clean the needle stick area with antiseptic swabs. Usually the officer takes blood in the elbow crease area. After the blood is drawn and put into a special tube, the officer will remove the elastic band, pressing and cleaning the puncture area with antiseptic swabs.

This test procedure only lasts for a few minutes. The blood sample that has been obtained will be examined using special equipment in the laboratory, and the results can be known within a few hours.

Normal And Abnormal Values

The normal range of CA 72-4 is generally not differentiated by age and gender. In general, the following are the normal and abnormal value ranges for CA 72-4 test results.

However, each laboratory has a slightly different range of values from one laboratory to another because it depends on the tools or machines it uses.

Results and Suggestions (Follow-up Tests)

Normal

If your CA 72-4 test results show normal values, it is likely that you have a healthy lifestyle. You are advised to maintain your current healthy lifestyle to prevent cancer characterized by high levels of CA 72-4.

A normal result may also indicate that your cancer therapy or treatment is successful. Despite this, you are still advised to continue your treatment until it's completed and start healthy living by exercising regularly, eating a healhty balanced diet, and having regular medical check-ups.

Abnormal or High

If your CA 72-4 test results show abnormal or high values, you should consult your doctor. They may suggest lifestyle changes to become healthier, or even start therapy to help lower your CA 72-4 levels.

High levels of CA 72-4 may indicate the presence of cancer and need further treatment. Elevated levels of CA 72-4 in the blood can occur in several types of cancer, such as pancreas, breast, ovarian, colon and lung cancer. However, because CA 72-4 is more commonly found in the stomach, elevated levels of CA 72-4 can be a typical sign of stomach cancer.

The increase in CA 72-4 levels in cases of gastric cancer is estimated to be around 20-80% compared to other types of cancer which only increase by around 40%.

Consult To The Right Doctor

The results of the CA 72-4 examination in adults can be consulted with a general practitioner, for further examination or to start therapy for an appropriate diagnosis. You can also consult a medical oncology or surgical oncology specialist regarding your condition. In pediatric patients, examination results other than normal should be consulted with a pediatrician.