CA125

Also known as Ovarian Cancer Marker, Cancer Antigen 125

This test is for

Female

Test Preparation

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

Understanding CA125

What is CA125?

A CA 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.
Some conditions that may elevate CA 125 levels include endometriosis, menstruation, and pregnancy.

What is CA125 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

What does CA125 measure?

CA 125 is a protein which is present on the surface of the majority of ovarian cancer cells. Thus, women having ovarian cancer will show high levels of CA 125. This test is used to monitor the treatment and recurrence of ovarian cancer.

In women, ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death. Very few cases of ovarian cancers are detected at an early stage because of their non-specific symptoms (not targeting any exact reason). By the time these ovarian cancers are detected, they spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, it is important for women to know family history and symptoms, and go for regular check-ups and pelvic examinations.

Interpreting CA125 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

Frequently Asked Questions about CA125

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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