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CA 125 Test

Dr. Sreelekha DaruvuriLast Updated on 9th February 2022

CA 125 test detects the presence of a protein known as CA-125 (cancer antigen 125) in the blood. CA-125 values are elevated in ovarian cancer patients. The ovaries are a pair of female reproductive glands that produce female hormones and release ova (eggs). Ovarian cancer develops when a woman's ovaries have excessive cell proliferation. Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women all over the world. Since elevated CA-125 levels indicate a variety of illnesses other than ovarian cancer, this test is not used to screen women at low risk for the disease. A CA-125 blood test is most commonly performed on women who have previously been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It can assist in determining whether the cancer treatment is effective or whether cancer has returned after the completion of the treatment.

What is the CA 125 test used for?What is included in the CA 125 test?Procedure for CA 125 test How to prepare for the CA 125 test?Things to consider after the CA 125 test is complete How much does the CA 125 test cost?*How long does it take to get the results for the CA 125 test?What do abnormal CA 125 test results indicate?Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

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What is the CA 125 test used for?

A CA 125 test may be recommended by a doctor for a variety of reasons, including:

To keep track of cancer treatment: If one has ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer, doctors may advise to get a CA 125 test done on a regular basis to evaluate progress and response to treatment.

However, such surveillance has not been proved to improve the fate of ovarian cancer patients and may result in additional and unneeded rounds of chemotherapy or other treatments.

If one is at high risk for ovarian cancer: If one has a significant family history of ovarian cancer or the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, doctors may advise a CA 125 test as a method of screening for ovarian cancer.

For patients at very high risk, some clinicians may prescribe CA 125 testing in conjunction with transvaginal ultrasound every six months.

Some patients with ovarian cancer, however, may not have an elevated CA 125 level. Furthermore, there is no evidence that CA 125 screening reduces the risk of dying from ovarian cancer. An increased CA 125 level may encourage the doctor to subject the patient to needless and even hazardous tests.

To screen for a recurrence of cancer: Rising CA 125 levels may suggest that ovarian cancer has returned following the treatment. Regular CA 125 monitoring has not been proved to enhance outcomes in ovarian cancer patients but they may help in monitoring the prognosis.

What is included in the CA 125 test?

This test is used to detect the presence of a protein known as CA-125 (cancer antigen 125) in the blood. CA 125 is an antigenic tumour marker that is often expressed by ovarian epithelial neoplasms as well as other tissues such as endometrial, fallopian tube, pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium cells.

CA 125 is a tumour marker that is a critical component in the preoperative evaluation of patients with an adnexal mass suspected of being ovarian cancer. Eighty percent of patients with ovarian epithelial carcinoma have an increased CA 125 level and the levels are maintained post-treatment to detect disease prognosis. The use of CA 125 for preoperative assessment is more helpful in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women.

Procedure for CA 125 test

A CA-125 blood test involves drawing a tiny amount of blood from a vein in the arm following these steps:

First, a healthcare worker will use an antiseptic to clean and disinfect the area.
They’ll then place an elastic band over your upper arm, causing your veins to expand with blood.
Once they’ve located a vein, they’ll carefully insert the needle into it. The blood will be collected in a tiny tube linked to the needle.
After drawing enough blood, they will withdraw the needle and cover the puncture site to stop any excess bleeding.
After that, the blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Once the laboratory has received your results, your doctor will schedule a consultation with you to go over them.

How to prepare for the CA 125 test?

A CA-125 blood test requires no specific preparation.

Things to consider after the CA 125 test is complete

Consult your doctor once the test results are available and he or she will recommend treatment based on the results. Please do not attempt to self-diagnose.

How much does the CA 125 test cost?*

Depending on your preferred area of testing, the CA 125 test may cost anywhere between Rs.199/- to Rs.1200/-

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the CA 125 test?

You can expect to get the results for the CA 125 test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal CA 125 test results indicate?

If you are not being treated for ovarian cancer and your CA-125 levels are high (above 35 units per milliliter), this could be a symptom of cancer. However, it could also be a symptom for a noncancerous disorder, such as:

Endometriosis – a condition in which tissue that grows properly inside the uterus starts growing outside the uterus. It can be excruciatingly uncomfortable. It may also make it more difficult to conceive.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection of the reproductive organs in women. It’s typically caused by a sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Uterine fibroid – noncancerous uterine growths.
Illness of the liver
Pregnancy

If you are not being treated for ovarian cancer and your CA-125 levels are high, you should consult your doctor for an explanation of any aberrant results.

Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor to interpret the test reports.

Is CA 125 a definitive test?

CA 125 is not a definitive test.

CA-125 is an ovarian cancer biomarker that frequently increases in the blood of people who may have the condition. It is critical to realize that, while the CA-125 blood test is beneficial for detecting and monitoring women with ovarian cancer, it is not an accurate diagnostic tool on its own. Unfortunately, there is no single, accurate diagnostic blood test for detecting and diagnosing ovarian cancer.

CA-125 is not used to diagnose cancer because it misses half of the early malignancies and can be increased by benign illnesses such as diverticulitis, endometriosis, liver cirrhosis, pregnancy, and uterine fibroid.

How to read the CA 125 report?

CA 125 has a typical range of 0 to 35 units/ml. A CA 125 level of 35 or higher may signal cancer, but it does not always mean the person has cancer. A CA 125 level greater than 35 is simply a possible signal.

If a woman has not previously been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, high levels indicate that additional testing is required to make a diagnosis.
If a woman has previously been treated for ovarian cancer and her CA 125 levels are high, it may indicate that cancer has returned. To diagnose recurrence of ovarian cancer, additional testing would be required.

CA 125 Level (units/ml)	Potential Inference
0-35 (normal)	It’s unlikely that you have cancer. It indicates no cancer 99 percent of the time.
>35 (high)	Cancer is a possibility. More testing will be required for a proper diagnosis.

Book a CA 125 test to check your CA 125 level!

Why book CA 125 test?

If you are going to begin ovarian cancer therapy, your doctor may perform a CA-125 test. The test will assist them in determining how aggressive your tumor is today and after treatment. This will provide an excellent indication of how well your treatment is working. This test may be repeated multiple times during your ovarian cancer treatment.

If you are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, your doctor may advise you to get the CA-125 blood test done as well as a transvaginal ultrasound frequently. CA-125 values are elevated in 80 percent or more of ovarian cancer patients.

CA 125 test at home – how does it work?

The CA 125 test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are there any risks involved with CA 125?

A CA-125 blood test is a relatively safe technique. The dangers of the test are the same as those of any blood tests like bruising on the needle prick area, infection (not common) and fainting as a result of blood loss (not common).

What can affect the results for CA 125?

CA-125 readings above a certain threshold may not always indicate the existence of ovarian cancer or any other type of disease. CA-125 levels may be increased as a result of other medical problems, such as

Fibroid in the uterus
Endometriosis-Related Pelvic Inflammatory Illness
Pregnancy
Liver Disease
Ruptured Ovarian Cyst
Effect of some cancer medicines and surgeries.

You should talk to your doctor about your individual results to see if additional testing is necessary.

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for CA 125 sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask and gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my CA 125 test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on the CA 125 test?

Usually, you can avail of up to a 50% discount on CA 125 through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

Is it possible for a CA125 test to be incorrect?

A high CA-125 level can be an indicator of malignancy, particularly in ovarian cancer. The test, however, can produce both false-positive and false-negative results. CA-125 levels might be normal even in cancer patients or can be high as well.

How trustworthy is the CA-125 test?

When a CA 125 limit of 30 U/mL is used, the total sensitivity is around 94.8 percent.

What exactly is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is cancer that starts in the ovaries. The ovaries, which are about the size of an almond, are responsible for the production of eggs (ova) as well as hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is a cancerous development of cells in the ovaries. The cells reproduce rapidly and have the ability to penetrate and destroy healthy body tissue.

What are the warning signs of a malignant cyst?

The severity of the symptoms might range from minor to severe. Abdominal bloating and pressure, painful intercourse, and frequent urination are some symptoms. Menstrual irregularities, odd hair growth, and fevers are all symptoms that some women experience. Cancerous tumors in the ovaries might cause no or moderate symptoms at first.

What is the distinction between an ovarian cyst and an ovarian tumor?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets of ordinary tissues or cells, whereas ovarian tumours are masses of malignant cells. Most ovarian cysts disappear on their own or cause no concern. However, ovarian tumours do not disappear on their own and must be treated.

Can stress cause an increase in CA-125?

According to current studies, mesothelial cells generate CA 125 in response to stress, which can be mechanical stress caused by fluid overload or inflammatory stress caused by mediator release.

Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate, certified, or registered healthcare provider.