The CA 125 test measures the level of Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) in the blood. CA 125 is a protein that is often elevated in women with certain types of ovarian cancer and other conditions.
Purpose of the Test:
•Detect ovarian cancer: Used as a tumor marker to help in the diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer.
•Monitor treatment response: Helps evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for ovarian cancer.
•Detect cancer recurrence: Elevated levels may suggest a recurrence after treatment.
•Assess risk in high-risk individuals: Often recommended for women with a family history of ovarian or related cancers.
Conditions That May Elevate CA 125:
•Ovarian cancer (primary purpose)
•Uterine, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer
•Non-cancerous conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or pregnancy
Key Notes:
•Elevated CA 125 levels alone do not confirm ovarian cancer, as they can occur in non-cancerous conditions.
•This test is usually combined with other diagnostic tools, such as imaging (ultrasound, CT scan) or additional biomarkers, for a more accurate assessment.
•It is most useful for monitoring already-diagnosed cases of ovarian cancer.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.