Cancer Antigen 125 test may be used to determine if cancer is present in the body. It can also be used to monitor levels during and after treatment of cancer. This is achieved by measuring the amount of a certain protein in your blood.
A CA125 test might be done if you are at a high risk for developing cancer, if you have family history of cancer or if you have already had cancer. These proteins may increase with any of the following cancers:
- Ovarian
- Uterine
- Fallopian Tube
- Pancreatic
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Lung
- Stomach
When there has been a decrease in these proteins during treatment, that typically indicates it is working. If there has been no change in the amount or an increase has occurred, then the cancer may not be responding to the treatment. After treatment has been completed, another test is administered; and if the protein amount is back up, that may mean cancer has come back.
Even though the CA125 test is used to detect cancer, an increase in proteins doesn’t always mean there is cancer present. Conditions could be any of the following:
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Non-Cancerous Ovarian Cysts
- Uterine Fibroids
When you get a CA125 test done, you can eat and drink normally prior to the test and no downtime is needed afterwards. One of our team members will take a sample of your blood and later analyze it. CA125 test results are measured in units per milliliter. A normal value of said protein is less than 46 U/mL.
If your levels are higher than normal, a consultation should be made with your doctor. He or she may recommend other tests to determine the cause. More than one test should always be performed to rule out any other possibilities. Furthermore, results can be varying from one person to another. Your doctor will decide what’s best for you personally.
If you would like to order a CA125 test, please give us a call or fill out a lab test request form.