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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
CA-125 and ovarian cancer
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.
CA-125 and ovarian cancer
by Marsha06, Nov 14, 2006 12:00AM
I'm hoping someone can give me some insight into diagnosing ovarian cancer. My mother, who is 55, has been having sever abdominal pain in the last 3-4 months. She is on constant pain killers. She also has some back pain and a feeling of being bloated in the mornings. After incorrectly being disgnosed with IBS, an ultrasound discovered a mass on her left ovary and she was immediately referred to an gynecology oncologist (I’m not sure if this is the official title). He also discovered that she felt pain when he pressed on her uterus. So he did a biopsy as well as a CA-125. The biopsy came back negative for any cancel cells and the CA-125 came back at 7 (well within normal range). He has now deemed this not to be a gynecological problem. I’m still convinced that this could be ovarian cancer as I’ve heard that at an early stage the CA-125 is not adequate.
Can someone here please give me any insight or their opinions? My mom is going for an MRI, but the waiting list is exceptionally long.
Can someone here please give me any insight or their opinions? My mom is going for an MRI, but the waiting list is exceptionally long.
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Nov 14, 2006 12:00AM
, Nov 14, 2006 12:00AM
Hi There,
I think your mother should consider a laparoscopy. Her level of pain is not normal and she needs a diagnosis.
best wishes
I think your mother should consider a laparoscopy. Her level of pain is not normal and she needs a diagnosis.
best wishes
Member Comments (2)
by LL2006, Dec 07, 2006 12:00AM
To: DR.G.
I am aware that the CA 125 blood test alone is not reliable and has a number of false positives. I had an episode of irregular bleeding w/pelvic pain and spotting after intercourse. I have a family hx of breast CA (mother,mat aunt,3 mat cousins,paternal grandmother,pat.aunt)and 1 mat aunt w/ovarian CA. My GP ordered a CA125. The test reuslt came back at 85. Next rdg. 3/12 later was 97. Today my GP called to say the third rdg. (3/12 later again) was at 160. I had my first visit to a gynecologist on Tuesday (first visit in 24 yrs :-) .. I am 49 y.o.). The gynecologist said CA 125 tests alone are not enough. I look healthy (not on any medications). I have 3 ovarian cysts noted on transvaginal u/s. The ob/gyn said we will re-ultrasound in 3/12 time. My question is whether or not anything else should be done at this point, or do I just wait until March 2007 to have repeat of u/s. Also 2 pap smears came back as ASCUS. I'm patient and not one to complain, but how patient should I be? Opinion?
