Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) Test: Know Its Purpose and Information
A CA-125 test is a blood test that detects the presence of a protein called CA-125 (cancer antigen 125) in the blood. CA-125 is considered a tumor marker and its elevated levels can indicate cancer. It's frequently used in ovarian cancer diagnosis and monitoring. The CA-125 blood test can also help track how well cancer treatments are working.
CA-125 is a biomarker that may suggest the presence of disease, particularly ovarian cancer. Elevated CA-125 levels can signal ovarian cancer, but the test can also yield false positive or false negative results. A normal CA-125 level doesn't rule out cancer (false negative), and elevated levels may occur even without cancer (false positive).
What is a CA-125 test?
Due to these limitations, the CA-125 test isn't a reliable screening tool for ovarian cancer. It is typically used to monitor specific cancers during or after treatment. It can help in early detection for those at high risk, For example, people having a family history of ovarian cancer or known genetic abnormalities. For people who do not have symptoms or risk factors, the CA-125 test is not suggested.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat is the Use of a CA-125 Test?
The CA-125 test has several key uses, including:
- Tracking ovarian cancer treatment effectiveness and monitoring for recurrence.
- Assessing lumps in the pelvis to help determine if they are related to ovarian cancer.
- Screening for ovarian cancer in patients with a high risk or family history of the disease.
- The test can also detect elevated levels of CA-125 due to ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and other non-cancerous conditions, but it's not a standard screening for patients without risk factors.
What cancers does CA-125 detect?
The CA-125 test does not directly detect cancer. It is primarily used in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of ovarian cancer in certain individuals. It can also be used to monitor cancers in the fallopian tubes or peritoneum.
Why CA-125 is Done?
Your healthcare provider may recommend a CA-125 test for several reasons:
Monitoring Cancer Treatment
- The CA-125 test is used to monitor treatment progress in patients with ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer.
- However, there is no evidence to suggest that this monitoring improves outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.
- Regular testing could lead to unnecessary treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Screening for Ovarian Cancer in High-Risk Individuals
- For individuals with a family history of ovarian cancer or genetic mutations increasing risk, the CA-125 test may be part of a screening strategy.
- Some doctors may combine it with a transvaginal ultrasound every 6 to 12 months for those at very high risk.
- Not everyone with ovarian cancer shows elevated CA-125 levels.
- Screening has not been proven to lower the risk of dying from ovarian cancer.
- An elevated CA-125 could lead to unnecessary testing.
Checking for Cancer Recurrence
- Rising CA-125 levels may indicate a recurrence of ovarian cancer after treatment.
- Although regular CA-125 testing is used for monitoring, it hasn’t been shown to improve outcomes.
- It may result in unnecessary treatments, such as chemotherapy.
If your healthcare provider suspects ovarian cancer or another type of cancer, they may recommend additional tests. These can include a transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound, serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), CT scans, MRIs, or a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Importance of the CA-125 Blood Test
Your doctor may recommend a CA-125 blood test in various situations:
- During cancer treatment, to check if the therapy is effective.
- After treatment, to monitor for signs of cancer recurrence.
- If you're at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, due to a family history of ovarian or related cancers like breast or colorectal cancer.
In addition to monitoring ovarian cysts, the CA-125 test is also used alongside other markers for a more diagnosis.
What Happens During a CA-125 Blood Test?
A healthcare provider will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample. The test usually takes about five minutes, with minimal discomfort.
How to Prepare for the Test?
No special preparation is required for the CA-125 blood test.
Is There Any Risk in the Test?
While the CA-125 blood test is generally safe, you may experience slight discomfort or bruising at the needle insertion site. These effects typically fade quickly.
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Book an AppointmentWhat Do the Findings Imply?
- Normal CA-125 Test Range: Generally, a CA-125 level below 35 U/mL is considered normal.
- High CA-125 Levels: Elevated CA-125 levels may indicate ovarian cancer or non-cancerous conditions like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
- If you're undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer and your CA-125 levels drop, it suggests that the treatment is effective. Conversely, if levels remain high, it may indicate that the treatment is not working as expected, or that the cancer has recurred.
- Low CA-125 Levels: A normal CA-125 result doesn't always rule out cancer, particularly in the early stages. Additional diagnostic tests may be necessary.
Important Information About CA-125 Blood Test
The CA-125 test is particularly useful for monitoring epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type. Some patients may also be tested for HE4 in addition to CA-125 to provide a more accurate assessment of treatment effectiveness and cancer recurrence.
