CA 15-3
A protein found on epithelial cells that is part of a larger protein called MUC 1. CA 15-3 may be found in higher than normal amounts in patients with some types of cancer, including breast cancer. Measuring the amount of CA 15-3 in the blood may be useful in checking how well cancer treatment is working or if cancer has come back. CA 15-3 is a type of tumor marker.
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
breast (brest)
Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
CA 15-3
A protein found on epithelial cells that is part of a larger protein called MUC 1. CA 15-3 may be found in higher than normal amounts in patients with some types of cancer, including breast cancer. Measuring the amount of CA 15-3 in the blood may be useful in checking how well cancer treatment is working or if cancer has come back. CA 15-3 is a type of tumor marker.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
epithelial (eh-pih-THEE-lee-ul)
Refers to the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
marker (MAR-ker)
A diagnostic indication that disease may develop.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
protein (PROH-teen)
A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
tumor (TOO-mer)
An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
Inside MSKCC
|
©2013 Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center