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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
laparoscopy showed no cancer. CA125 continues to rise
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.
laparoscopy showed no cancer. CA125 continues to rise
by roller coaster, May 10, 2007 12:00AM
I am 38. I had lower left abdominal pain that got me to visit my gynocologist. I had a pelvic ultrasound that showed ovarian cysts and also an irregular mass behind my uterus. My 1st CA125 was 64.1. I was reffered to a gyn/oncologist. He drew a 2nd ca124 which was approx. 1 week after the 1st. It was 95.Then, I had an exploratory laparoscopy which I had a cyst drained, washings, and a bioopsy of the mass behind uterus. All benign. At my 3week follow up with the dr. that did the laparoscopy he told me that I have stage 4 endometriosis and that all lap testing was negative for cancer. He then told me that there is still a chance of cancer in the "deeper tissues". He then drew the 3rd ca125 which came back 164. I was terrified. I called the surgeon and he stated that surgery can elevate this level due to the manipulation. He wants another ca125 in 2 weeks and an ultrasound in 3 months. I will have the ca125 drawn tomorrow. Please give me insight. Are the chances high that I still have cancer? He told me if this is cancer that it is stage 1. I am having a very hard time functioning because I am so worried.Thank you for your time. Also, my mother had breast cancer at 37 and died at 43 in 1990.
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., May 10, 2007 12:00AM
, May 10, 2007 12:00AM
Hi there,
i agree with what your doctor said. It sounds like you have endometriosis. surgery can elevated the CA 125.
Now let's back up:
Your mother died at age 43.
You need to strongly consider the following:
-mammograms yearly. in addition, you are a candidate for a breast MRI which is much more sensitive for finding small lesions
-you should consider a consultation with a genetic counselor. you should consider being tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations - if you have those mutations, you should strongly consider the prophylactic removal of your ovaries, tubes and your breasts
You know you have endometriosis. This can be a premalignant condition. If you have completed your childbearing, you should consider a full removal of your uterus with the ovaries and tubes
I know this is scary. You are probably fine now. But you have enough going on that you need to sort out how to reduce your risks of cancer
take care
i agree with what your doctor said. It sounds like you have endometriosis. surgery can elevated the CA 125.
Now let's back up:
Your mother died at age 43.
You need to strongly consider the following:
-mammograms yearly. in addition, you are a candidate for a breast MRI which is much more sensitive for finding small lesions
-you should consider a consultation with a genetic counselor. you should consider being tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations - if you have those mutations, you should strongly consider the prophylactic removal of your ovaries, tubes and your breasts
You know you have endometriosis. This can be a premalignant condition. If you have completed your childbearing, you should consider a full removal of your uterus with the ovaries and tubes
I know this is scary. You are probably fine now. But you have enough going on that you need to sort out how to reduce your risks of cancer
take care
Member Comments (2)
by roller coaster, May 12, 2007 12:00AM
To: UPDATE ON RISING CA125
I had a repeat ca125 this week. It was 89.5. Down from 164. I will have a repeat tvus in July and also a repeat ca125. Is this reasonable or am I playing with fire for waiting.This was the suggested coarse of gyn/onc. I am assuming I may always be elevated with stage 4 endometriosis and uterine fibroids.. Still a little nervous. Still have low back pain. More intense with menstration. Thank You for previous good information!
