What is CA 125 (CA125)?
There are various tests for ovarian
cancer, one of them being the CA 125 test.
CA 125 is a protein normally made by certain cells including those in the ovaries as well as cells in the uterine tubes, uterus, cervix, and the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities (the peritoneum and pleura).
CA 125 is measured in blood or fluid from the chest or abdominal cavity. All tests in current use are based upon the use of an antibody directed against CA 125 (monoclonal antibody technique).
The normal value for CA 125 is less than 35 kU /ml (in most labs). Without additional information, it is impossible to interpret a high CA 125 since it is increased in so many conditions.
In someone being evaluated for a pelvic mass, a CA 125 level greater than 65 is associated with malignancy is approximately 90% of cases. Without a demonstrable pelvic mass, the association is much weaker.
Increases in CA 125 can also occur with malignancies of the uterine (Fallopian) tubes, endometrium (lining of the uterus), lung, breast, and gastrointestinal tract.
With a known ovarian cancer (or other malignancy with an elevated CA 125, the CA 125 can be monitored periodically. A decreasing level indicates effective therapy while an increasing level indicates tumor recurrence. Because of test variation, small changes are usually not considered significant. A doubling or halving of the previous value would be important.
Benign conditions that can raise CA 125 include infections of the lining of
the abdomen and chest (peritonitis and pleuritis), menstruation, pregnancy,
endometriosis, and liver disease. Benign tumors of the ovaries can also cause an
abnormal test result. Health-Tests Direct wants you to BE AWARE THAT MANY DOCTORS
RECOMMEND AGAINST A CA 125 TEST BECAUSE OF ITS HIGH INCIDENCE OF FALSE
POSITIVES! Should you decide to have a CA125 blood test regardless
of the opinions of many in the medical community, we WILL arrange it for you. However, if the lab results come back
"positive", please do not panic! Simply review the results with your
doctor, who will likely order some appropriate additional tests for you to
confirm or refute the lab findings.
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