CA-125 (Cancer Antigen-125) Test

• CA-125 test is done to monitor patients of malignancy, especially ovarian cancer.  
• Serial monitoring of CA-125 is done to compare concentrations before and after treatment and also to establish a possible recurrence. Thus it can help assess the effectiveness of treatment given.

CA-125 test measures the levels of CA-125 antigen which is a tumor associated antigen. Levels increase in patients with ovarian cancer and certain other type of cancers.

CA-125 test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

• A high level of CA 125 in the blood can be caused by several things. This includes ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and benign (non-cancerous) conditions.
• The results of the CA-125 test when done over an interval help monitor the condition of the patient and their response to treatment. Test results may be normal in patients with stage I ovarian cancer.
• CA-125 levels fall after successful treatment but continue to increase if there is progression and poor response to treatment.
• Levels may increase in certain non-cancerous conditions such as menstruation/ pregnancy/ uterine fibroids/ cirrhosis/ hepatitis/ endometriosis/ PID.
• Patients should do a follow-up testing preferably through the same laboratory as different assays can give different result values on the same sample.

• CA 125 serum testing is most often recommended for women who are considered to be at high risk for ovarian cancer. These are mainly those with a family history of the disease. Additionally, women who have symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as abdominal pain or bloating, may also be advised to undergo CA 125 testing.

There are generally no risks associated with the process of drawing blood for the CA 125 serum test. Potential risks such as pain, bruising, or infection at the site of blood collection are rare and typically minor.

Units per millilitre (U/mL) are used to measure the amount of CA-125 in the body. The normal range is 0 to 35 U/mL. Levels of more than 35 U/mL may be a sign of cancer or other diseases.

You may have a condition that isn't carcinogenic if your CA 125 level is higher than predicted, or the test result could indicate that you have ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. To make a diagnosis, your doctor might suggest more examinations and treatments.

The most frequent causes of elevated CA-125 are common, ordinary, or benign illnesses such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or even just getting your period.

• Cancer Antigen 125
• Ovarian Cancer
• CA 125