My ana is positive and the speckled pattern is 1:160. doesthat indicate cancer? my thyroid and other tests are fine.

Nonspecific: The anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) test is a nonspecific test for autoimmune disease. Additional subtypes of ANA can potentially be used along with clinical history and physical examination to determine if and what disease is present. ANA is not a test to detect cancer.

ANA: Might represent connective disease in the early stages. Watch for sun sensitivity, fatigue, arthritis symptoms. Rashes, hair loss etc. If some physical problems arise then further studies are warrented.

ANA titter: ANA is not a cancer marker. It is a test to help pinpoint rheumatologic conditions, rather. Taken by itself, ANA is not a strong predictor of any one disease state. It needs to be taken in the context of a work up.

Antibodies: ANA stands for antinuclear antibodies. It is usually positive in autoimmune disorders. However, there can be as high as 15% false positive as other things including medications can elevate ana. Speckled indicates what antibodies may be present with different patterns . Speckled usually is associated with smith (lupus), nuclear rnp (mixed connective tissue disease) and ss-a (sjogren's).