CA-125 question - Cancer: Breast Message Board

djl · 10-02-2004, 09:15 PM

Hi,
I have a question about the blood test CA-125. For the past couple of months I had problems with cysts. I had a 6cm cyst that did go away on its own then a cluster of small cysts. Whether they are still there I don't know. My OB feels that the fact the cluster of small cysts which are 1cm in size should not cause any symptoms. I still get symptoms sometimes such as pain in my left side, gas, bloating, crapms, nausea, excetra.
I was sent to a gastro specialist. The gastro Dr. is checking me for several things such as Celiac Disease, my Liver, Kidneys, Colon exctra... one of the blood tests he sent me for is CA-125. I know that test is for Ovarian Cancer. He never told me that he was looking for that, but when I saw that on my script I knew exactly what it was for.

What I would like to know is what is a normal CA-125 count and what isn't normal.

I had the test last week, so hoping for results this week. I don;t think I have anything to worry about. He deffinately thinks that I have IBS. But, I guess with the fact that I had the big cyst and then a cluster of small cysts, and I am 38 years old, and unfortunately cancer does run in my family,he is just being cautiuos. but I do not know anyone in my family that has or had Ovarian Cancer. But I can't say that I am not nervous because I am nervous.

If anyone has any info on the CA-125, I would appriciate it.
Thanks

pushka · 10-05-2004, 05:26 PM

Hi there
The CA125 is best used when someone has already been diagnosed with OVca and it is used to track treatment success.
The CA125 can be raised in non malignant conditions (endo, periods, etc) and it can be low in cancer cases, espcecially early on, so on its own it is very non specific.

A vaginal ultrasound is your best tool - and if a cyst shows up unless it is clearly cancer (ascites, septations etc etc) it should be repeated in 6 weeks time as most cysts are functional and go away.

If it is still there on the next ultrasound, have it removed despite what your Drs say. I had a persistent complex cyst over 3 months and all the specialists said it was only an endometrioma. I insisted on having the ovary removed because I am concerned about ovarian cancer and I have a number of the risks (no children, fertility treatment etc etc)

Well, when they did the pathology, they were all WRONG! I had a tumour - borderline cancer, and had a hysterectomy.

My CA125 was 15 - 30 is regarded as 'below suspicion' here. I have read of ladies with very malignant cancer and having a CA125 of 7! I have read of women with endo with a CA125 in the 1000's. So you can see the problem with it.

So if a cyst persists and you are concerned, follow your own instinct.

epeg · 10-09-2004, 07:36 PM

I Have To Get The Ca25 Blood Test Every Year Because I Have Ovarian Cancer In My Family, Its Not 100 Percent Reliable But I Get An Ultra Sound Also With It. My Dr. Wants Me To Get The Blood Test Anyway To Be On The Safe Side.