What is the CA 125 tumor marker test? Carcinoma antigen 125 (CA 125) is a protein found in ovarian cancer cells. The protein is produced by cells and can be found in the blood. The CA 125 test measures the amount of carcinoma antigen 125 in the blood. Blood testing for the tumor marker CA 125 can be used to monitor ovarian cancer during and after treatment. In some cases, the test can be used to obtain information on early symptoms of ovarian cancer in women who are at high risk of the disease. However, the CA 125 blood test is not accurate enough to be used to screen all women for ovarian cancer because many different conditions can cause abnormal levels of this protein. Why is a CA 125 tumor marker test performed? The study of tumor marker CA 125 in the blood is often assigned to monitor the progression of ovarian cancer. CA 125 levels are measured before starting treatment for ovarian cancer. A drop in CA 125 levels during and after treatment usually indicates that it has been successful. An increase in CA 125 levels after treatment may indicate a relapse of the disease. After treatment for ovarian cancer, the blood test for the tumor marker CA 125 is performed for several years to ensure that the disease has been successfully treated. The test is usually recommended every two to four months for the first two years after cancer treatment is completed. After this period, the test is recommended every six months for three years and then once a year. In some cases of ovarian cancer, the baseline CA 125 levels are normal, meaning that the tumor is not producing the CA 125 protein. If this happens, the CA 125 blood test will not be able to help monitor the progress of the ovarian cancer. It is important to test for CA 125 in women with a family history (case in the family) of ovarian cancer. However, the test is not usually used to screen for the disease in women who do not have an increased risk of developing this type of cancer. There are many diseases and conditions that can cause elevated levels of CA 125 in the blood, such as: Pregnancy; Normal menstruation; Cancer of the endometrium and fallopian tube; Benign growths in the uterus, such as uterine fibroids; Endometriosis, which is a condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue in places outside the uterus, such as the ovaries and bladder; Pelvic-inflammatory disease – an infectious-inflammatory disease of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and adjacent pelvic structures; Pancreatic cancer How is the CA 125 tumor marker test performed? The CA 125 tumor marker test involves taking a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in the arm. First, the area from which the sample will be taken,cleaned and disinfected with an antiseptic. An elastic band is then placed around the upper arm to allow the veins to stand out and become more visible. Once a suitable vein is found, a needle is carefully inserted into it to collect a small amount of blood. After collecting a sufficient amount of blood, the elastic band is removed and a cotton swab is placed over the needle. The needle is then carefully withdrawn from the vein, and the puncture site is applied pressure for several minutes to stop excess bleeding. The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. What are the risks of the CA 125 tumor marker test? The CA 125 blood test procedure is low-risk. Generally, common risks with all blood tests include: Difficulty obtaining a blood sample, resulting in multiple needle insertion attempts; Excessive bleeding at the puncture site; Fainting due to blood type; Infection at the site of needle penetration What can the results of the CA 125 tumor marker test mean? CA 125 blood test results may vary depending on the laboratory that performed the test. In most cases, however, CA 125 levels are considered elevated if they are above 35 units per milliliter (U/mL). High CA 125 levels do not necessarily confirm the presence of ovarian cancer or any other type of cancer. Some cancer drugs and surgeries can also change the levels of CA 125 in the blood. The results of the test should be discussed with a doctor to clarify what additional tests are needed. Bibliography: Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. What is CA-125? Lab Tests Online (LTO). CA-125: The test Cancer Treatment Centers of America. CA-125 testif they are above 35 units per milliliter (U/mL). High CA 125 levels do not necessarily confirm the presence of ovarian cancer or any other type of cancer. Some cancer drugs and surgeries can also change the levels of CA 125 in the blood. The results of the test should be discussed with a doctor to clarify what additional tests are needed. Bibliography: Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. What is CA-125? Lab Tests Online (LTO). CA-125: The test Cancer Treatment Centers of America. CA-125 testif they are above 35 units per milliliter (U/mL). High CA 125 levels do not necessarily confirm the presence of ovarian cancer or any other type of cancer. Some cancer drugs and surgeries can also change the levels of CA 125 in the blood. The results of the test should be discussed with a doctor to clarify what additional tests are needed. Bibliography: Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. What is CA-125? Lab Tests Online (LTO). CA-125: The test Cancer Treatment Centers of America. CA-125 test