Test Overview:

• Name: CA 72.4 (Cancer Antigen 72.4)
• Type: Tumor Marker
• Purpose:
  • To detect gastric cancer, though it's not entirely specific and may be elevated in other cancers or benign conditions.
  • To monitor treatment effectiveness or recurrence in individuals with known gastric cancer.

Risk Assessment:

• CA 72.4 is not a definitive test for diagnosing cancer. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of cancer, but they can also be raised in other conditions such as:
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Benign conditions like gastrointestinal inflammation, liver diseases, and ovarian cysts.

A positive CA 72.4 test result needs to be interpreted alongside clinical evaluation, imaging tests, and other diagnostic markers. A normal or low result doesn’t rule out the presence of cancer, as some individuals with cancer may have normal levels of CA 72.4.

Normal Range: The normal value typically ranges from 0 to 6 U/mL (units per milliliter). This may vary depending on the laboratory and the test methods.

Interpretation:

• Normal Range: The normal value typically ranges from 0 to 6 U/mL (units per milliliter). This may vary depending on the laboratory and the test methods.
  • Elevated CA 72.4 levels (greater than 6 U/mL) may indicate the presence of gastric cancer or other malignancies.
• However, high levels of CA 72.4 are not specific to gastric cancer, and false positives may occur due to other conditions (non-cancerous diseases, inflammation, etc.).

Sample Type:

• Blood Sample: The test is usually performed using a serum blood sample.