What is ca 72-4?

CA 72-4 is a tumor marker that is often used to monitor the progression and treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly gastrointestinal cancers such as stomach and pancreatic cancer. It is a glycoprotein antigen that is produced by cancer cells and can be detected in the blood of patients with cancer. Elevated levels of CA 72-4 in the blood can indicate the presence of cancer or the recurrence of cancer after treatment. However, it is important to note that CA 72-4 is not specific to cancer and can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions such as liver disease or inflammation. Therefore, it should be used in combination with other diagnostic tests and medical evaluations to make an accurate diagnosis.