What is considered a high level of CA 125?
Results of the CA 125 test are measured in units per milliliter (U/mL). The normal value is less than 46 U/mL. If your CA 125 level is higher than normal, you may have a benign condition, or the test result could mean that you have ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer.
What level of CA 125 indicates endometriosis?
The mean serum CA-125 level of women with endometriosis was 49.93±4.30 U/mL (range, 2-191 U/mL) in this study. Amara and colleagues found that CA-125 serum levels were higher in endometriosis patients when compared to control group during both periods of menstrual cycle (13).
How high is endometriosis with CA 125?
The highest CA 125 level reported in proven endometriosis is 9537 U/ml following acute rupture of an endometrioma [7].
Does a high CA125 mean cancer?
Blood test (CA125 test) CA125 is produced by some ovarian cancer cells. A high level of CA125 in your blood could be a sign of ovarian cancer. But a raised CA125 level does not mean you definitely have cancer, as it can also be caused by other conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids and even pregnancy.
How high can a CA 125 go?
Eventually, a CA 125 level of 35 units was found to be a useful cutoff point, with 99% of healthy women having values less than 35. Levels above 35 units are certainly seen in healthy women, but beyond the cutoff point of 35, the higher the value, the more likely there is trouble somewhere in the body.
How high can a CA125 go?
How can I lower my CA125 level?
However, there are some lifestyle factors you can control to decrease your risk of ovarian cancer.
- Exercise and Diet. By maintaining a weekly exercise regime and a healthy diet, the risk of ovarian cancer decreases.
- Oral Contraceptives.
- Avoiding Carcinogens.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding.
- Healthy Lifestyle.
What does a ca 125 level over 35 mean?
A CA 125 level over 35 is only a potential indicator. If a woman has not been previously diagnosed with ovarian cancer, high levels indicate further testing is needed to make a diagnosis. If a woman has been previously treated for ovarian cancer and CA 125 levels are high, it may mean cancer has returned.
When do you need a ca 125 cancer test?
Your doctor may recommend a CA 125 test for several reasons: 1 To monitor cancer treatment. If you have ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer, your doctor may recommend a CA 125 test on a regular basis to monitor your condition 2 To screen for ovarian cancer if you’re at high risk. 3 To check for cancer recurrence.
Can a CA-125 test be a false positive?
However, the test can have both false positive and false negative findings. CA-125 levels can be normal even if a person has cancer, or they can be elevated in a patient who does not have cancer. For this reason, a CA-125 test is not an effective screening for ovarian cancer.
What does elevated ca 125 mean for ovarian cancer?
Rising CA 125 levels may indicate that ovarian cancer has come back after treatment. Regular monitoring of CA 125 has not been shown to improve outcomes for those with ovarian cancer and may lead to additional and unnecessary rounds of chemotherapy or other treatments.