CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125)

Overview

CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a protein that can be found in the blood and is produced by certain cells in the body, particularly those lining the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvis and abdomen. This biomarker is most commonly used as a tumor marker to help monitor ovarian cancer, as levels often become elevated when this type of cancer is present. CA-125 testing can assist doctors in tracking how well treatment is working and whether cancer has returned after treatment. However, elevated CA-125 levels don't always indicate cancer. Many non-cancerous conditions can also cause increased levels, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease, heart failure, and even normal menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, some people with ovarian cancer may have normal CA-125 levels, particularly in early stages of the disease. While CA-125 is not typically used alone for cancer screening in the general population, it can be a valuable tool when combined with other tests and clinical findings to help doctors make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

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Why We Test CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125)

CA-125 testing is primarily used to monitor ovarian cancer treatment response and detect potential recurrence in patients with a known diagnosis. This biomarker can help assess whether cancer treatments are working effectively by tracking changes in CA-125 levels over time. Additionally, CA-125 may be measured in women with pelvic masses or symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer to aid in diagnosis, though it's not recommended as a general screening tool due to its limited specificity. The test can also provide valuable information for treatment planning and help guide clinical decision-making in ovarian cancer management.

What Affects It

Factors influencing CA-125 levels include menstruation, pregnancy, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease, heart failure, and various cancers (particularly ovarian, but also pancreatic, lung, breast, and colorectal). Benign conditions such as fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome, and recent abdominal surgery can also elevate CA-125 levels. Age, smoking status, and certain medications may additionally impact CA-125 concentrations.

How to Improve

For elevated CA-125 levels, focus on treating underlying conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease through appropriate medical interventions. Managing inflammation with anti-inflammatory medications and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce levels. For monitoring purposes, regular follow-up testing is essential, especially in women with a history of ovarian or reproductive tract conditions. Since CA-125 can be elevated due to benign conditions like menstruation or liver disease, working with healthcare providers to identify and address the root cause is crucial. Lifestyle modifications including stress reduction and avoiding excessive physical activity before testing can help ensure more accurate readings.

Common Name: CA-125