It is a test (Cancer antigen CA 72 4) that belongs to the neoplasia markers. These substances at some level are produced by normal body cells. When "new" cells appear, then their most intense metabolism produces these substances at increased levels.

Young cells can be a result of:

1. tissue regeneration after some destruction - inflammation
2. development of new pathologically differentiated tissue or non-pathologically differentiated tissue

The use of CA 72-4 is recommended for monitoring neoplastic disease and assessing the corresponding treatment mainlyfor:

1. Esophagus
2. Stomach

The index can additionally be used in the same way in neoplasms:

1. Ovaries

This test is not included in a check up - screening

In adults (18-65 years), the indicative values < are 6.8

Increased CA 72-4 values may be found in non-cancerous diseases

Simple blood collection happens at any time of the day (7.30-19.30)

1. without restrictions on food from the previous day
2. without restrictions on possible medication intake
3. the result is not affected of any existing transient illness - cold

The result is given on the next day after 6.00 pm. for blood draws until 11.00 am