|
Q:
What Does Elevated ca-125 Mean?
A: If a blood test shows an elevated ca-125, it can be suggestive of a number of different things, depending on other information about the patient that will have been collected during an examination. Levels of this protein in the blood are most commonly checked in connection with ovarian cancer treatment or diagnosis, and elevated levels can mean that a patient has ovarian cancer or that a cancer is recurring. However, false positives do happen. The ca-125 test is not intended to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool.. ca-
|
|
|
Q:
What Is a ca-125 Test?
A: ca-125 stands for cancer antigen 125, and this is a protein which possibly shows up in a ca-125 test when women have ovarian cancer. Measures of this protein are calculated by taking a blood test. If the test yields positive results, this might be indication to have further exams to see if ovarian cancer is in fact present. The trouble with the test is that it is known for significant inaccuracy and can readily yield both false positive and false negative results. There are uses for the
|
|
|
Q:
Should I Be Concerned About An Elevated ca-125?
A: Possibly. When having this test come back with elevated ca-125, further testing is usually needed. This can be anything from double negative result to a malignancy. Yes you need to be concerned about it. It is usually there due to ovarian malignancy or gastrointerstinal malignancy. Ovarian malignancy is like germcell tumors or stromal tumors. It can cause markedly elevated ca-125 level. Screening test eg Sonogram should be done to find out the underline cause. Once confirmed it has progonostic value. You don''t have to be concerned but you have to do some other exams, as
|
|
|
Q:
Should I Be Concerned About An Elevated ca-125?
A: Possibly. When having this test come back with elevated ca-125, further testing is usually needed. This can be anything from double negative result to a malignancy. Yes you need to be concerned about it. It is usually there due to ovarian malignancy or gastrointerstinal malignancy. Ovarian malignancy is like germcell tumors or stromal tumors. It can cause markedly elevated ca-125 level. Screening test eg Sonogram should be done to find out the underline cause. Once confirmed it has progonostic value. You don''t have to be concerned but you have to do some other exams, as
|
|
|
Q:
ca 125 test: A screening test for ovarian cancer?
A: The cancer antigen 125 (ca 125) blood test isn''t recommended for women with an average risk of ovarian cancer. While women with ovarian cancer often have an elevated level of ca 125, an elevated ca 125 level doesn''t always mean you have ovarian cancer. Some women with ovarian cancer never have an elevated ca 125 level. Many other conditions also can cause an elevated ca...
|
|
|
Q:
ca 125 test and Ovarian Cysts
A: Hello Dawn, You did not mention your age in your post. Are you close to menopause (ie. in your forties) ? If so, the bleeding may have something to do with perimenopause and be completely normal. If you are on medication, it can also screw up your cycle. You will still have to follow up to find the cause but I would not freak out about this until you have more information (oh and by the way, the depo will definitely change your bleeding pattern and I hope the doctor told you about this). As for the cysts, what kind of cysts are they ? Are they simple fluid filled cysts or complex cysts with solid components ? This is extremely important as simple fluid filled cysts are very rarely dangerous. Complex cysts are also...
|
|
|
Q:
ca-125 elevated - please reply with your thoughts!
A: I don''t know a lot about ovarian issues, but I know there are many things that can cause the ca125 to be elevated. I don''t know what those things are, though. I''m sure someone will come along who can better answer your question. Did your doctor do a uterine biopsy? or a D&C? to sample the tissue in the uterus? PickelEyes - my gyn did a uterine biopsy during the hysterascopr and it was negative but said the uterine wall is very thick. Hi Vegas, The ca-125 can sometimes be elevated for completely benign reasons such as endometriosis or even being on your period. When...
|
|
|
Q:
My mom recently underwent two rounds of Adria/Cytoxin and had a horrible time with them. She was in the hospital both times the second round was in there 6 weeks. So, oncologist switched her to Taxotere now and she seems to be doing very well with it. She had a tumor marker test done a week or so ago and it dropped nearly 40 points. She said it was a ca-125 test which I thought was mainly for ovarian cancer but maybe that is the test they did do....not sure really. Anyway, I assume that this means the chemo is doing it''s job? Her points went from near 80 to around 40. What are the scores that you should aim for on the ca-125, ca 15-3 and ca 27-29? Are they all the same as far as what''s normal? Thanks for your help.
A: tumor markers are not the best way to determine effectiveness of chemo though.. and yes, ca 125 is for ovarian cancer. not breast at all. if she has metastatic disease they will do scans to compare to original scans to see if cancer is shrinking. if chemo being given in an adjuvant manner and not for known disease elsewhere then we frankly operate in good faith it is doing its job....
|
|
|
Q:
I am a 46 yr old breast cancer (DCIS) survivor of 10 and a half years.I had a bilateral mastectomy. My ca 125 test recently came back with a 100 reading (normal being 0 to 34). I had the test repeated and it was a 65. Went for a CT and it showed that I had a precarinal lymph node 1.2 cm in the area behind my sternum and that I should repeat the CT in 6 to 8 weeks. What is a precarinal lymph node and is this something to be concerned about? I can''t find any info on the net. My OB-GYN doctor thinks the ca 125 test is elevated due to my having adenomyosis and 2 small fibroid tumors. She recommends that I either get a hysterectomy or the Mirena IUD or take Danocvine to stop my periods. With my breast cancer history, what would you recommend? Also what about this precarinal lymph node being noted in my CT? My doctor says that she doesn''t know why the radiologist listed it on the report but not to worry and just repeat the CT in a couple of months. I can''t help but worry especially since I have had cancer before. Any thoughts here? Thank you so much.
A: i''m not familiar with this node and its location... am a little perplexed why they were looking in your neck for something related to ca 125 that is specific for ovarian. ca 125 can be elevated by taking Advil, getting a flu shot will send it off the charts, and other reasons we don''t even know. fibroids are not known to elevate it. onsider meeting with a gyn oncologist to discuss this further....
|
|
|
Q:
Does ca 125 gives an elevated reading with UC?
A: Hi....the ca-125 is for cancer markers, but it''s not a diagnostic tool apparently. There are definitely false positives or false negatives... I suggest you read this link....and then go to the very last page where you can post a question to a scientist who might know the answer. quincy said... Hi....the ca-125 is for cancer markers, but it''s not a diagnostic tool apparently. There are definitely false positives or false negatives... I suggest you read this link....and then go to the very last page where you can post a question to a scientist who might know the answer....
|
|