What is the CA-125 Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is a CA-125 Test?
It measures the amount of protein CA-125(cancer antigen) in the blood. It is a type of tumor marker.
Also Read: Ovarian cancer
What is it used for?
It helps:
- In monitoring cancer during and after the treatment
- In detecting the early signs of ovarian cancer in high-risk patients
- In learning about the growth or lump in the pelvis
Why do I need this test?
You may need this test if you:
- Have already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is done to monitor the treatment
- Have been treated for ovarian cancer, it is done to check if it has returned
- Are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, it is done for screening
- Have any lump or extra growth in the pelvis, it is done to check for ovarian cancer
What is the normal range of the CA-125 blood test?
The normal range for CA-125 in the blood is 0-35 units/ml.
What do the results indicate?
The results are different for every situation as follows:
When you’re under treatment for ovarian cancer
- If your CA-125 levels are still rising, it means the cancer is still growing and the treatment isn’t working
- If your CA-125 levels are going down, it means the cancer is shrinking and treatment is working
When you’ve been treated for ovarian cancer
- If there was a decline in your CA-125 levels earlier but again it started increasing, it means the cancer is appearing back
When you have got a suspicious lump in the pelvis
- If you have high levels of CA-125 in the blood, that may indicate ovarian cancer in this condition.
What does it mean to have a high CA-125?
A high level of CA-125 may indicate ovarian cancer but it doesn’t always mean it. Sometimes it could be:
- Endometrial cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Peritoneal cancer
Is there any non-cancerous condition that can cause high CA-125?
High CA-125 doesn’t always mean cancer. There are several non-cancerous conditions that may cause a high level of CA-125 in the blood as follows:
- Endometriosis
- Diverticulitis
- Peritonitis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Uterine fibroids
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Post-surgical
- Menstruation
Although, some healthy tissues of the organs like the breast, ovaries, pancreas, lining of the chest, and the stomach also release low levels of CA-125 in the blood.
Is CA-125 a confirmatory test for cancer?
No, it is not a confirmatory test. It is possible that patients with ovarian cancer have normal levels of CA-125 in the blood because it is not released in high amounts during early stages and is not found in high levels in every patient.
It should always be done with the other imaging investigations for the diagnosis such as pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound.
Also Read: Endometriosis
For more information, you can visit medlineplus.gov and webmd.com.
