Tumour marker blood tests

What does the Tumour Markers measure?

This group measures proteins and other substances — such as CEA, CA 19-9, AFP, CA 15-3 and CA-125 — that can rise with certain conditions. Many everyday things raise them, so a single value is only part of the picture.

Why is the Tumour Markers ordered?

They are most often ordered to follow a known condition over time, or to help a specialist alongside an examination, imaging and other tests — rarely to screen a person with no symptoms. The trend across several readings matters more than one result.

Tests in this panel

Each test links to its own page with named reference-range sources.

Sources: [AUA] [EAU] [ACS] [ACOG] [NACB] [ASCO] [NCCN] [AASLD]

• PSAPSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate. A small amount normally passes into the bloodstream, and several prostate conditions can increase how much appears.
• Free PSAFree PSA is the fraction of prostate-specific antigen circulating without being attached to blood proteins. Laboratories measure it so it can be compared against the total amount.
• Free-to-Total PSA RatioThe figure divides free PSA by total PSA and shows it as a percentage. It is used mainly when the total sits in the four-to-ten range where judgement is hardest.
• CA-125CA-125 is a protein shed by cells that line parts of the abdomen, chest and reproductive organs. Laboratories measure the amount that reaches the bloodstream.
• CEACEA, or carcinoembryonic antigen, is a protein present in a developing baby and in small amounts in adults. Conditions of the gut, liver and lungs can raise it.
• CA 19-9CA 19-9 is a carbohydrate marker carried on proteins from the pancreas and bile ducts. When bile cannot drain, or these organs are inflamed, more appears in the blood.
• AFPAFP, or alpha-fetoprotein, is made in large amounts by a baby's liver and in small amounts by adults. A liver under strain can raise it.
• HE4HE4 (human epididymis protein 4) is a small protein made by several tissues and removed by the kidneys. When kidney clearance falls, or certain conditions are present, more appears in the blood.
• CA 15-3CA 15-3 is a fragment of a protein carried on the surface of many cells, including breast cells. Several conditions of the breast and liver can shed more of it into the blood.
• CA 27-29CA 27-29 detects the same MUC1 surface protein as CA 15-3, using a different antibody. Several benign conditions of the breast, liver and kidney can raise it.
• ThyroglobulinThyroglobulin is a protein produced only by thyroid cells, both healthy and cancerous. After the thyroid is removed for cancer, little should remain to make it.
• CalcitoninCalcitonin is a hormone made by the C-cells of the thyroid. Several ordinary conditions, and one uncommon thyroid cancer, can raise how much appears in the blood.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Tumour Markers?

This group measures proteins and other substances — such as CEA, CA 19-9, AFP, CA 15-3 and CA-125 — that can rise with certain conditions. Many everyday things raise them, so a single value is only part of the picture. It typically reports 12 results: PSA, Free PSA, Free-to-Total PSA Ratio, CA-125, CEA, CA 19-9, AFP, HE4, and more.

Why is the Tumour Markers ordered?

They are most often ordered to follow a known condition over time, or to help a specialist alongside an examination, imaging and other tests — rarely to screen a person with no symptoms. The trend across several readings matters more than one result.

How should the Tumour Markers be read as a whole?

No single value tells the full story — the results are read together, and each value is compared against the reference range printed on your own report, which can vary by lab, method and equipment.

Do the reference ranges in the Tumour Markers vary between labs?

Yes. Ranges depend on the laboratory's equipment and method, so the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result. Each test page names the standards body behind its range.