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Mucin-like associated antigen in blood
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Reference values for MSA in blood serum are up to 11 IU/ml.
Mucin-like associated antigen (MCA) is an antigen present in mammary gland cells. It is a serum mucin glycoprotein. The concentration of MSA in the blood serum increases in breast cancer and by 20% in benign breast diseases. MSA is used to monitor the course of breast carcinoma. At a cutoff point of 11 IU/ml, MSA has a specificity of 84% and a sensitivity of up to 80% depending on the clinical stage of the tumor. When its determination is combined with other markers, the sensitivity does not increase. The MSA study is used to monitor the effectiveness of surgical, chemo- and radiation treatment of breast cancer.
The content of MSA in blood serum is determined by:
- for monitoring breast cancer patients;
- diagnostics of distant metastases of breast cancer.
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