Description
The Ovarian Cancer Tumor Marker Blood Test (CA-125 test) measures the level of CA-125, a protein that is often elevated in the blood of individuals with ovarian cancer. Here's more information about this test:
Purpose of the CA-125 Test:
- Ovarian Cancer Screening: While not recommended for routine screening in the general population, it can be useful in high-risk individuals, particularly those with a family history of ovarian cancer.
- Monitoring Treatment: It helps to monitor the progression of ovarian cancer in individuals who have already been diagnosed and are undergoing treatment. It can also assess whether the treatment is effective.
- Detecting Recurrence: If the CA-125 levels rise after treatment, it may indicate that the cancer has returned.
Interpretation of High CA-125 Levels:
- Ovarian Cancer: Elevated CA-125 levels are most commonly associated with ovarian cancer, but they are not definitive for this disease.
- Other Conditions: Many non-cancerous conditions can cause elevated CA-125 levels, including:
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Uterine Fibroids
- Other cancers that may cause high CA-125 levels:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), including lymphoma
Test Details:
- Fasting: Not required for the test.
- Special Considerations: The test is most useful in postmenopausal women because of its low specificity in premenopausal women, where CA-125 levels may fluctuate due to other factors.
This test is one of the many ways to monitor and manage cancer-related conditions, though it's often combined with other tests and diagnostic tools for a more comprehensive assessment.
