HE4

HE4 is a specific chemical compound (glycoprotein, a certain type of protein) thatry used as a tumor marker. Tumor markers (markers) are specific substances whose detection in the blood or other body fluid of a patient can indicate the presence of a cancerous process. HE4 protein is a newly discovered potential marker of ovarian cancer, whosere role in the body of a healthy person is not yet fully understood. It is found in both sexes, and in men it is likely to be involved in spermw production processes. HE4 is detected in many different tissues of the body, including the intestines, respiratory tract once testes. Its concentration increases with age, and higher levels of HE4 have also been shown in peopleing tobacco products.

When should HE4 testing be performed?

Increased expression of HE4 is often found in epithelial ovarian cancersl and other cancers such as colorectal, breast, kidney and lung. Significant levels of this protein are also present in the cellsr of endometrial cancer of the uterus. The most common use of this indicator, however, is in cases of ovarian cancer– HE4 has the highest diagnostic sensitivity and specificity there, which means that this test is most effective in diagnosing and monitoring the course of just this disease. Most often, this test is performed together with the determination of the levelsof another tumor indicator, CA 125, where the rdifferences between the two markers allows with high probability to assess the malignancy of the ongoing cancer process.

Who should take the HE4 test?

The HE4 test is usually ordered as a further diagnostic test for the evaluation of ovarian cancers development. It is characterized by high efficiency already in the early stages of this type of cancery. Also important is the fact that its levels increase rapidly especiallylly in cases of malignant lesions, which allows for rnisation with benign tumors already at the level of blood tests, before biopsy, i.e. surgical removal of a tumor slice and its subsequent microscopic histopathological evaluation. As in all cancers, early diagnosis of cancer increases a patient's chances of a cure. HE4 is useful not only in the initial evaluation of the disease, but also in monitoring the course of treatment and in detecting possible recurrences after completion of treatment.

Ovarian cancers often do not produce early symptomsve, they usually appear only when the disease is already quite advanced. The first symptoms thatre supposed to cause the patient concern and refer her urgently for medical check-up are:

• bl localized in the pelvis
• vaginal bleeding unrelated to menstruation
• increased abdominal girth
• urinary and gastrointestinal symptoms caused by pressure from the tumor

Test results will be available within 2 business days