Blood Test CA-125
Describe the CA-125 test
A blood test known as a CA-125 test quantifies the quantity of the protein in your body known as cancer antigen 125, or CA-125.
One kind of biomarker, or material in your blood that can indicate an illness or condition, is CA-125. An elevated CA-125 level may indicate ovarian cancer. The two reproductive glands in your body, the ovaries, store, release, and create hormones.
Both false-positive and false-negative results are possible with the CA-125 test. False-positive (higher than usual) or false-negative (normal) CA-125 readings can occur in the absence of malignancy. Because of this, the CA-125 test is not a reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer.
Instead, as part of a comprehensive strategy to monitor specific cancer types, particularly before and after cancer therapy, healthcare providers will prescribe a CA-125 blood test.
Additionally, this test is used by providers to identify high-risk individuals early for ovarian cancer. This could include things like if you have a genetic mutation or error that raises your risk of getting ovarian cancer or whether an immediate family member has had the disease. Those without symptoms or risk factors shouldn’t use the CA-125 test
.
Which tumors are detected by CA-125?
It cannot identify cancer. In select cases, the CA-125 test is utilized for ovarian cancer diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up. It’s also used to treat peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer.
When ought one to perform the CA-125 test?
A blood test for CA-125 can be used for:
Assess the efficacy of ovarian cancer treatment. Your numbers should gradually decrease if your cancer treatment is having an effect.
Track any ovarian cancer recurrence following a successful course of treatment. Depending on when you ended your treatment, this may be done every few months or annually.
Check those who are very susceptible to ovarian cancer.
Assist in the assessment of an individual exhibiting indications of ovarian cancer or who is under suspicion of the disease.
Who ought to have a blood test for CA-125?
A CA-125 test may be performed to track your status if your doctor believes you may have ovarian cancer or is treating you for the disease.
If you are more likely to develop ovarian cancer, you might benefit from a CA-125 test. Several elements that raise your risk include:
You have the BRCA gene in your body. A gene is a section of your DNA that codes for specific bodily functions.
An actual relative of yours has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Your ovarian cancer was treated.
Test Specifics
How is a blood test for CA-125 performed?
A tiny sample of your blood must be drawn for the test. When the needle is inserted into your arm, you can experience a slight prick or pain. It should take a few minutes to draw the blood. Before the exam, there are no dietary restrictions.
Does the CA-125 test require any preparation?
There is nothing you can do to get ready for the CA-125 exam.
Does a blood test for CA-125 have any risks?
The danger associated with having your blood drawn is minimal. It could be more challenging to draw blood from some persons than from others. In rare instances, there may be significant bleeding or infection. More often than not, patients experience dizziness during blood draws or bruise where the puncture was made.
How often do erroneous outcomes occur?
A “positive” test result might be caused by a variety of factors besides ovarian cancer. Other illnesses that may cause your blood levels of CA-125 to rise include:
- Menstruation
- Maternity
- Endometriosis
- Inflammatory illness of the pelvis (PID)
- Uterine fibroids or other benign growths that do not indicate malignancy
- Other cancers, such as fallopian tube or pancreatic cancer
- Illness of the liver
A CA-125 test is only used in conjunction with other diagnostic instruments since elevated levels of CA-125 can manifest in other illnesses.
How should a CA-125 test result be?
Your healthcare provider should interpret your results. Acceptable ranges could change, and tests used by various labs might also differ. Levels more than 35 units per milliliter are typically regarded as irregular. Elevated levels, however, do not indicate a recurrence of cancer. Talk to your provider about your results to find out what they mean and whether any more testing is required.
What does a blood test for CA-125 mean?
Your doctor will go over the implications of your test results with you. To detect cancer, more testing is required even if the test results indicate elevated CA-125 levels. Typically, the results of a single test are not very useful. Your provider will place a series of CA-125 test orders in order to track any variations in levels.
A high CA-125 score may indicate that your ovarian cancer has spread or resurfaced. If the score is lower, the treatment may be effective.
There is no relationship between your body’s cancerous load and your CA-125 readings. To determine the full severity of your disease, more testing is required.
What happens after the blood test for CA-125?
In the event that the CA-125 test your doctor ordered yields positive results, they’ll probably order extra tests to find out more. These could consist of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or transvaginal ultrasound. They might also choose to retake the CA-125 exam at a later time to observe whether the outcomes differ.
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