CA-125 Tumor Marker Test- Why am I having this test?
CA-125 tumor marker test is generally done for the following reasons:
- To
screen for ovarian cancer. High levels of the protein called cancer
antigen-125 (CA-125) can be a sign of ovarian cancer. However, many
conditions other than cancer can cause high levels of CA-125. Because of
this, the test has not been found to be useful for ovarian cancer
screening. Generally, this test is done only if you are at high risk for
this type of cancer. You are at high risk if:
- You have a strong family history of ovarian cancer.
- You have a mutation in one of two genes: breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2).
- To identify the extent of the disease and to monitor your response to treatment. The test is done after you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
- To check to see if ovarian cancer has returned (recurred). The test may be done after you have completed initial treatment for ovarian cancer to check for recurrence.
What is being tested?
This test measures the level of CA-125 in your blood.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as values. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, a common reference range is:
- 0–35 units/mL or less than 35 kunits/L (SI units).
What do the results mean?
Increased levels of CA-125 may be seen in:
- Certain
types of cancer, including:
- Ovarian cancer.
- Endometrial cancer.
- Peritoneal cancer.
- Fallopian tube cancer.
- Pancreatic cancer.
- Colon cancer.
- Lung cancer.
- Breast cancer.
- Lymphoma.
- Noncancerous
(benign) disorders or conditions, including:
- Cirrhosis.
- Pregnancy.
- Endometriosis.
- Pancreatitis.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- The CA-125 tumor marker test is generally done to screen for ovarian cancer in those who are at risk for it and to monitor treatment in those who have been diagnosed with it.
- Increased levels of CA-125 in your blood may mean that you have certain diseases and conditions, including cancer, cirrhosis, or even pregnancy. Follow-up tests may be needed.
- Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
