CA 125

CA 125 by Access Medical Labs is a single-biomarker lab test for CA 125, a protein that is found in higher levels in certain types of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. The CA 125 test measures the amount of CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) in the blood and can be used as a tumor marker to help diagnose and monitor ovarian cancer.

The CA 125 test is not specific to ovarian cancer and can also be elevated in other conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease, and certain types of lung, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Therefore, it is important to interpret the CA 125 test results in conjunction with other clinical findings and imaging studies.

The CA 125 test requires a blood sample to be drawn from a vein, usually in the arm. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis, and the results are typically available within a few days.

What is CA 125?

CA 125, also known as cancer antigen 125, is a protein that is produced by cells in the body. It is primarily found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells, but can also be present in other types of cancer, as well as in some non-cancerous conditions.

CA 125 is commonly used as a tumor marker to monitor the progression of ovarian cancer and to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Elevated levels of CA 125 in the blood can indicate the presence of ovarian cancer, although it is important to note that not all women with ovarian cancer will have elevated CA 125 levels, and elevated levels can also be seen in non-cancerous conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and pregnancy.

CA 125 testing is typically performed in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and medical evaluations to help in the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper interpretation of CA 125 test results and to determine the appropriate course of action.

Who should get a CA 125 test?

CA 125 is a protein marker that is primarily used to monitor the progression of ovarian cancer. It is not typically used as a screening tool for the general population, but rather as a follow-up test for individuals who have already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or have a high risk of developing it.

Ideal candidates for CA 125 testing may include:

Women with a known diagnosis of ovarian cancer: CA 125 levels can be monitored over time to assess the effectiveness of treatment, detect recurrence, or evaluate response to therapy.

Women with a family history of ovarian cancer: Individuals with a strong family history of ovarian cancer, especially those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, may be recommended to undergo CA 125 testing as part of their surveillance plan.

Women with symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer: CA 125 testing may be ordered for women experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, changes in bowel habits, or urinary urgency, which could be indicative of ovarian cancer.

Women at high risk of developing ovarian cancer: Certain factors, such as a personal history of breast or colon cancer, endometriosis, or a genetic predisposition, may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. CA 125 testing may be considered as part of a comprehensive screening strategy for these individuals.

CA 125 levels can be elevated in conditions other than ovarian cancer, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even during menstruation. Therefore, CA 125 testing should always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and imaging studies to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

What is a normal CA 125 range?

CA 125 is a tumor marker that is primarily used to monitor ovarian cancer. However, it can also be elevated in other conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 

The normal range for CA 125 can vary slightly depending on the laboratory, but generally, a level below 35 U/mL is considered normal for premenopausal women. 

For postmenopausal women, a level below 32 U/mL is considered normal. CA 125 levels can also be influenced by factors such as menstruation, pregnancy, and certain medications, so interpretation should be done in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests.

What does high CA 125 indicate?

CA 125 is a protein that is produced by cells in the body, particularly by cells lining the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is commonly used as a tumor marker for ovarian cancer, as well as other conditions such as endometriosis and certain types of cancer in other parts of the body.

A high CA 125 level in the blood can indicate several possibilities, and it is important to note that it is not specific to ovarian cancer and can be elevated in other conditions as well. Some potential causes of a high CA 125 level include:

Ovarian cancer: CA 125 is most commonly associated with ovarian cancer. A high level of CA 125 in the blood can indicate the presence of ovarian cancer, especially in postmenopausal women.

Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it. This can cause inflammation and lead to elevated CA 125 levels.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. Inflammation from PID can cause an increase in CA 125 levels.

Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. While they are generally benign, they can sometimes cause an elevation in CA 125 levels.

Liver disease: Certain liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, can cause an increase in CA 125 levels.

It is important to remember that a high CA 125 level does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer. Further diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies and additional blood tests, are usually required to determine the underlying cause of the elevated CA 125 level. 

What does low CA 125 indicate?

A low CA 125 level is generally considered to be within the normal range, and it is not typically associated with any specific medical condition. If the CA125 level is low or decreasing in the presence of cancer treatment (such as for ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer), it can indicate potential effectiveness of treatment.

If a low CA 125 level is observed in a patient who is suspected to have ovarian cancer, it is important to consider other diagnostic tests and factors to determine the presence or absence of the disease. These may include imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI, other tumor markers, and clinical symptoms.

It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can interpret the test results in the context of the patient's overall health and medical history. They will be able to provide appropriate guidance and further investigations if necessary.