An overview of CA 125 Test
A CA 125 test measures the amount of the protein CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) in the blood. This test may be used to monitor certain cancers during and after treatment or to help screen for ovarian cancer in individuals with a high risk of the disease. However, it isn't generally used for general ovarian cancer screening because the test results can be affected by various non-cancerous conditions.
What is CA 125 Test used for?
A CA 125 test measures the amount of the protein CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) in the blood. It may be used to monitor certain cancers during and after treatment, as well as to screen for ovarian cancer in people with a very high risk of the disease. However, it is not accurate enough to use for ovarian cancer screening in general since many non-cancerous conditions can also increase the level of this protein. Some of these non-cancerous conditions include menstruation, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy, and uterine fibroids. If your health care provider suspects that you may have ovarian cancer or another type of cancer, additional tests may be performed to evaluate the condition.
How often should CA 125 Test be performed?
The frequency of CA 125 tests depends on the individual's situation and risk factors. If you have a strong family history or an inherited gene increasing the risk of ovarian cancer, your health care provider may recommend a CA 125 test along with transvaginal ultrasound every 6 to 12 months for those at very high risk. However, this test is not typically used for general ovarian cancer screening due to its limited accuracy. If your health care provider suspects you may have cancer, further tests like a transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound, serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), CT, and MRI, or a procedure to remove a sample of cells for testing may be necessary. Always consult with your health care provider for personalized guidance on testing frequency and appropriate action based on your specific circumstances.
How to prepare for CA 125 Test?
For a CA 125 test, patient preparation typically involves fasting for at least 10 to 12 hours before the test, avoiding certain medications that can affect the test results, and informing the healthcare provider about any medical conditions or current treatments that might impact the test results. It's essential to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
How is CA 125 Test conducted?
A CA 125 test is conducted by taking a sample of blood from a vein in your hand or arm. A healthcare provider inserts a needle into the vein to collect the blood sample, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately after the test.
How are CA 125 Test results reported?
CA 125 test results are reported as the level of the protein in your blood. The result is usually reported as a number, which is compared to a reference range established by the laboratory that performed the test. In most cases, the result is considered normal if the CA 125 level is within the reference range. However, a high CA 125 level may indicate the presence of cancer or another non-cancerous condition that can cause an elevated CA 125 level, like endometriosis or uterine fibroids. It's important to note that a CA 125 test alone is not considered a reliable screening tool for ovarian cancer due to its limited accuracy. A high CA 125 level can be caused by many factors unrelated to cancer. Therefore, your healthcare provider will consider the results in conjunction with other factors like personal and family medical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic tests before making a diagnosis or recommending further treatment.
Understanding the report
CA 125 test results are interpreted based on the level of the cancer antigen 125 protein found in the blood. A higher-than-expected CA 125 level can be associated with certain cancers, such as ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. However, a high CA 125 level can also be caused by many non-cancerous conditions, such as menstruation, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, and pregnancy. When interpreting CA 125 test results, it's important to consider the context of the individual's medical history and risk factors. A healthcare provider will discuss the results with the patient and may recommend further tests or procedures to determine the diagnosis or monitor the condition and treatment. CA 125 tests are not recommended for general ovarian cancer screening because the test is not accurate enough to identify the disease in its early stages. Additionally, routine monitoring of CA 125 levels in people without a high-risk history has not been shown to improve outcomes and may lead to unnecessary treatments.
Limitations and Considerations
The limitations of the CA 125 test include its lack of accuracy for general ovarian cancer screening, as many non-cancerous conditions can also increase the protein level. These conditions include menstruation, uterine fibroids, and various other non-cancerous medical issues. Additionally, the test may not always provide a clear indication of cancer presence or progression, and other diagnostic tests may be required for confirmation.