CA-125 Detail

CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a protein found in the blood. The CA-125 test measures the level of this protein, which is often elevated in women with ovarian cancer. It is not specific to cancer and can also be raised in non-cancerous conditions.

Clinical Uses:

• To monitor treatment response in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

• To detect recurrence of ovarian cancer after treatment.

• Sometimes used as a screening tool in women with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer (although not routinely recommended for general screening).

• May be used to evaluate pelvic masses or unexplained abdominal symptoms.

Non-cancerous conditions that can also elevate CA-125 levels include:

• Endometriosis

• Uterine fibroids

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Liver cirrhosis

• Pregnancy and menstruation

Normal Range:
Typically less than 35 U/mL is considered normal, but this can vary slightly by lab.

Limitations:
CA-125 is not a definitive test for cancer diagnosis. It should be interpreted along with clinical findings, imaging studies, and other tests.