Cancer Antigen CA 125

The CA 125 level can provide prognostic information in the follow-up management of patients with ovarian carcinoma. The assay should be used as an adjunctive test in the management of ovarian cancer patients.

Ca 125 is a protein that is released in the blood in someone who has ovarian cancer. However, there are other instances where there is an increase in CA 125, such as non-cancerous conditions like uterine fibroids and menstruation or other cancers like endometrial or fallopian cancer. Because it is not specific enough, it is often not used as a screening tool to help diagnose ovarian cancer, however, it is very useful to help measure the progression of the disease and the efficacy of treatment in patients with confirmed ovarian cancer. The instances where this test is used as a screening tool is often in women who are of high risk of developing ovarian carcinoma.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• First degree relative who was diagnosed with ovarian or breast cancer
• Medical history of breast cancer
• Medical history of other types of cancer
• Currently on chemo or radiotherapy for ovarian cancer
• Irregular menstrual bleedings
• Pain in the lower abdominal region

Also Known As: CA 125