CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125)

Also known as Ovarian Cancer Marker, CA-125 Tumor Marker, CA 125 Blood Test, CA125 Blood Test, Cancer antigen 125 test, CA-125 Tumor Marker test, CA-125 tumor marker test

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required
Provide brief clinical history/ doctor's prescription at the time of sample collection

Understanding CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125)

What is CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125)?

CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125) test measures the amount of the protein CA 125 (cancer antigen125) in your blood. CA 125 is present on the surface of the majority of ovarian cancer cells which is why it is also known as a tumor marker. The doctor may prescribe this test to detect ovarian cancer, to monitor treatment and recurrence of ovarian cancer. The doctors may recommend the CA-125 blood test to women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer. However, there are some other conditions that may elevate CA 125 levels including endometriosis, menstruation, pregnancy, uterine fibroids, liver disease, and cancers of the pancreas, breast, or lung.

What is CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125) used for?

To detect ovarian cancer
To monitor the treatment of ovarian cancer
To detect recurrence of ovarian cancer
To detect lump (mass) in the pelvic area

Interpreting CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125) results

Interpretations

High levels may be seen in:

Ovarian cancers
Pregnancy
Menstruation
Ovarian cysts
Inflammatory diseases of Pelvis
Cirrhosis
Hepatitis
Endometriosis
Other tumors such as lung, colorectal, breast, or gastrointestinal tumors

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125)

Frequently Asked Questions about CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125)

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. Are levels of CA125 seen high in all ovarian cancer?

No, in a few cases high levels of CA125 are not seen in ovarian cancer, CA125 is not present on all the ovarian cancer cells.

Q. Is Ca 125 a screening test for ovarian cancer?

No, CA 125 is not a screening test, as it does not show exact reason or symptoms. CA 125 is produced in small amounts in normal tissues and by other cancers as well.

Q. Are there any other non-cancerous conditions where high levels of CA125 can be seen?

Yes, other non-cancerous conditions such as pregnancy, menstruation, and inflammatory disease of the pelvis can show moderately high levels of CA125.

Q. What is pelvic inflammatory disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection which includes the reproductive organs such as fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and uterus. The symptoms include pain in abdomen, fever, pain while having sex, pain while passing urine, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and irregular bleeding between periods.

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

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