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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
Elevated CA125, lots of symptoms, several other issues. Where to turn next?
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
Elevated CA125, lots of symptoms, several other issues. Where to turn next?
by LILYBUG, Sep 18, 2006 12:00AM
Hi, I am looking for some advice on where to turn next, if we're doing the right things, and what might be going on. Not sure if I should be concerned at this point. I am 35. In the last year I have had my appendix and gallbladder removed. I've also been diagnosed with melanoma and had 2 surgeries for that, no further treatment. I am also diabetic. While doing bloodwork for melanoma, the lab accidentally tested my ca125 and it was around 60, then 40, then 50 a year ago. In Feb it was 52. A few weeks ago it was 48 (normal range for this test 0-21). In the past year I've had 3 u/s and 3 transvag. They want to do another of each. I also have right sided pain in my lower ab, upper ab, flank, and right side lower back. I also have an enlarged liver. In the midst of scanning for melanoma follow-up, they have discovered spots in my liver, lungs and breast. I also have cysts that we know of but all ultrasounds and ct's continue to state that my reproductive organs look normal for my age and the cysts are normal. So why does my ca125 continue to be elevated? Is it a good sign that the number has not risen in a year, or am I being too optimistic? I don't konw if the pains are from my cysts, my fibroid, my appendectomy (my appendix was really embedded in my intestines). I currently take medication for nerve damage (GI Dr. thinks it is nerve damage). I have had over 30 tests in the last year: multiple scans, brain mri's, liver tests, ct's, ultrsounds, mammo,colonoscopy. No one can answer. How concerned should I be for ovca at this point? What else should we do? Are the ct's a good test
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Sep 19, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 19, 2006 12:00AM
Hi Lilybug,
Can you please explain what you mean by spots in your liver, lungs, and breasts? Have they been biopsied? That would be my next step unless it is absolutely clear from the x rays that these spots are benign. The CA 125 pattern sounds like a normal variation. (as i just said in the previous post, Ca125's that double and steadily go up are worrisome, otherwise not worrisome.) Fibroids will commonly elevate the CA 125 even into the hundreds.
If all your tests are reassuring, I would recommend close observation. Wow- it sounds like you have been through alot!
take care
Can you please explain what you mean by spots in your liver, lungs, and breasts? Have they been biopsied? That would be my next step unless it is absolutely clear from the x rays that these spots are benign. The CA 125 pattern sounds like a normal variation. (as i just said in the previous post, Ca125's that double and steadily go up are worrisome, otherwise not worrisome.) Fibroids will commonly elevate the CA 125 even into the hundreds.
If all your tests are reassuring, I would recommend close observation. Wow- it sounds like you have been through alot!
take care
best wishes