Also known as:
Name: Cancer antigen 125
Related tests:
Why is the test done?
To monitor treatment for ovarian cancer.
When is it done?
Before treatment starts or when there is a high risk of developing ovarian cancer, and periodically during and after treatment.
What samples are required?
A blood sample taken from a vein.
What is being analysed?
CA-125 is a protein often found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells and some normal tissues. It is used as a marker of ovarian cancer. However, CA-125 levels can also be raised without a tumour, for example during menstruation, pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease.
How is it used?
When is it requested?
What does the test result mean?
Is there anything else I should know?
How is it used?
CA-125 is used to monitor the patient during treatment for ovarian cancer and to detect any recurrence. The test is sometimes used to monitor women with a family history of cancer who are at high risk of developing the disease.
When is it requested?
A measurement is taken before treatment starts to give a baseline value against which later values can be compared. Further measurements are taken periodically during treatment to assess its effectiveness. Periodic checks are then requested to detect any recurrence.
What does the test result mean?
Treatment is generally effective if CA-125 levels fall during treatment. Rising CA-125 levels may indicate a lack of response to treatment. High CA-125 levels at the end of treatment may indicate a recurrence.
Is there anything else I should know?
Since CA-125 levels can be raised in normal or benign conditions (for example pregnancy, menstruation, endometriosis, pelvic inflammation), the test should not be considered a screening test for ovarian cancer.
1. Is CA-125 always raised in ovarian cancer?
2. My CA-125 is high. Does this mean I have cancer?
3. Does ovarian cancer run in families?
1. Is CA-125 always raised in ovarian cancer?
No, not all ovarian cancers are accompanied by raised CA-125 levels. High levels have been found in about 80% of women with ovarian cancer.
2. My CA-125 is high. Does this mean I have cancer?
No. CA-125 can be raised in other conditions and diseases. It can rise naturally in early pregnancy or during menstruation, or in conditions such as pelvic inflammation, endometriosis, some forms of hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.
3. Does ovarian cancer run in families?
A family history of ovarian cancer is a risk factor. When there is a family history of ovarian cancer, the risk of developing it is higher than when no family member has had the disease