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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
My Moms results of CA-125
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.
My Moms results of CA-125
by Hazel30, Jan 22, 2007 12:00AM
Hello Dr. Goodman
I've posted previously in regards to my Moms raising CA-125. Here is a quick history.
She had ovca 3c and is 8 months post chemo. Her CA-125 goes like this
May 5 (she finished chemo May 16)
June 3
July 3
Aug 3
Sept 4
End Sept 6
Oct 5
Nov 7
Dec 14
Jan 19.
Last month she had a CT scan done because she was feeling crampy like feeling in her pelvis area. I also posted to you with the result of the scan and its conclusion stated "Stable nonspecific retroperitoneal lymph nodes. No CT scan evidence of recurrent or metastatic carcinoma".
I spoke to her oncologist and he said its still in the norm and we just have to watch it. I understand there is nothing we can really do but more blood work.
My question is are there any other factors rather then a recurrent cancer that can raise the CA-125? Such as inflammation in her back (herniated disks) or anti-inflammatory pills that she's on?
She's been on these anti-inflammatory pills ever since the CA-125 started to raise for about a month and a half now.
If these are not valid factors then can this just be a normal rise in her CA-125 or is this how a recurrence begins with ovca? What usually represents a recurrence in ovca as far as the numbers go in the CA-125. Do doctors look for 10, 15, 20 point jumps to determine a recurrence?
In your experience what do you feel is going on with her? and what would you recommend? We are seeing her oncologist in a week and Im planning on requesting another CT scan.
I have to also mention that her crampy like feelings never went away even after the CT scan said every
I've posted previously in regards to my Moms raising CA-125. Here is a quick history.
She had ovca 3c and is 8 months post chemo. Her CA-125 goes like this
May 5 (she finished chemo May 16)
June 3
July 3
Aug 3
Sept 4
End Sept 6
Oct 5
Nov 7
Dec 14
Jan 19.
Last month she had a CT scan done because she was feeling crampy like feeling in her pelvis area. I also posted to you with the result of the scan and its conclusion stated "Stable nonspecific retroperitoneal lymph nodes. No CT scan evidence of recurrent or metastatic carcinoma".
I spoke to her oncologist and he said its still in the norm and we just have to watch it. I understand there is nothing we can really do but more blood work.
My question is are there any other factors rather then a recurrent cancer that can raise the CA-125? Such as inflammation in her back (herniated disks) or anti-inflammatory pills that she's on?
She's been on these anti-inflammatory pills ever since the CA-125 started to raise for about a month and a half now.
If these are not valid factors then can this just be a normal rise in her CA-125 or is this how a recurrence begins with ovca? What usually represents a recurrence in ovca as far as the numbers go in the CA-125. Do doctors look for 10, 15, 20 point jumps to determine a recurrence?
In your experience what do you feel is going on with her? and what would you recommend? We are seeing her oncologist in a week and Im planning on requesting another CT scan.
I have to also mention that her crampy like feelings never went away even after the CT scan said every
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Jan 23, 2007 12:00AM
, Jan 23, 2007 12:00AM
Dear Fiana,
Could you please write in the CA 125 values? I do not see them in your note.
thanks so much
Could you please write in the CA 125 values? I do not see them in your note.
thanks so much
Thank You so much
Fiana
May: 5 (she finished chemo May 16)
June: 3
July: 3
Aug: 3
Sept: 4
End Sept: 6
Oct: 5
Nov: 7
Dec: 14
Jan: 19
Thank You
With the normal CT scan, I would also recommend a close watch. I understand your concern with the rise to 19. It is hard to justify starting treatment without more evidence of a recurrence. However if the value continues to rise, that would be concerning for a recurrence. In some settings with a rising CA 125 and a normal ct scan, it is reasonable to consider a laparoscopy . You should ask your mother's doctor about that.
best wishes to you