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

The CA 125 Test is an essential tool for monitoring the treatment of ovarian and related cancers, determining treatment responses, detecting its recurrence, and screening high-risk individuals. However, it is not advised for general screening because of its limitations.

The CA 125 Test can be conducted at any age, but it is commonly utilized in women over 40, those with a significant family history of ovarian cancer, or individuals who are at elevated risk or already diagnosed with ovarian or related cancers.

The benefits of the CA 125 blood test include monitoring cancer treatment effectiveness, detecting cancer recurrence, screening high-risk individuals for ovarian cancer, and providing additional diagnostic information when combined with other tests like ultrasound.

A high CA 125 level can indicate various conditions, including ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancers, as well as non-cancerous conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

In women treated for ovarian cancer, a high level may indicate recurrence. Further tests may be recommended to determine the cause.

There is no proven method to lower CA 125 levels naturally. Elevated levels are typically addressed through medical evaluation and treatment of the underlying condition, as lifestyle changes or natural remedies do not directly influence CA 125 levels.

There is no direct evidence that stress causes an increase in CA 125 levels, as the protein is primarily related to cellular activity and disease states rather than stress.

No, fasting is not necessary prior to the CA 125 blood test. However, it's important to consult your doctor if you are on any medications, as certain medications can affect the accuracy of the results.

Yes, home sample collection for the CA 125 Test is offered by select diagnostic labs, including Metropolis Healthcare. They provide the convenience of having a trained healthcare professional visit your home to collect the required blood sample so that you can complete the test without the need to visit a clinic.

The time it takes to receive CA 125 Test results can vary depending on the lab and the efficiency of the testing process. Typically, results are available after 8 hours, depending on the timing of sample collection and processing.