The CA 125 Test

Inside the Cancer Tumor Marker

Jul 16, 2009 Tina Samuels

CA 125, also known as a biomarker for ovarian cancer, is a protein that can be measured with a CA 125 test.

CA 125 has had polar opposite reactions to its ability to screen for ovarian cancer. Some believe that screening for this protein will help women catch ovarian cancer early, and some feel that it cannot catch the cancer before it has either advanced or not even be caught at all. What CA 125 is in the body is the bio marker (or a tumor marker signaling tumors in the body) for ovarian cancer. It is the protein that is more concentrated in cancer cells in the ovary than in any other cell in the body. It is named CA 125 for 125 being the number of the protein and CA is short for cancer antigen.

CA 125 Measuring

The protein is measured by taking a blood sample from the patient. This is the easiest and the most non invasive of the ways to measure the CA 125. However, fluid from the abdomen and the chest can be tested as well. A new test, CA 125-II, was released in 1996. As the values can alter between which test is received, it is imperative that the patient only have one type of test done over time so that the values can be charted correctly.

CA 125 Values

Depending on the lab that does the test there is a wide variance of the “normal” values of a CA 125. For the most part, expect that a value that is less than 35 U/ml to be the norm. Always check with the lab that is doing the test to double check what they consider to be normal. Ask your doctor about any questions that you have about the test and its abilities to screen for ovarian cancer.

High CA 125 Values

There are some causes that can indicate a higher CA 125 protein test result without it necessarily being ovarian cancer. It can be used to see if the patient that is undergoing cancer treatment is having a tumor reoccurrence. If there is a patient that is being seen for a pelvic mass or condition, a CA 125 test can be used to determine the malignancy or if it is benign. High level test results can also indicate cancer elsewhere in the body like the lung and breast.

Some conditions can cause a high CA 125 test result. These are fibroids, endometriosis, menstruation, liver disease, PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), pancreatitis, and pregnancy. If a patient has any of these conditions and there is a high CA 125 test done, a second or third test will need to be done to check for cancer in the body and the CA 125 cannot be used as a definitive.

Whether or not the CA 125 or the CA 125-II test is a viable screening tool for ovarian cancer is up for much debate. Go over the facts with healthcare providers and see if it is an option. Patients should read up and learn about the different techniques available today and get the test that is right for them.

The copyright of the article The CA 125 Test in General Medicine is owned by Tina Samuels. Permission to republish The CA 125 Test in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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