CA-125 Blood Test

[Elinka]

I had this blood test-to check on my ovaries-to see how much estrogen they are still producing even though I had a hysterectomy!  I had breast cancer last year and my receptors were both positive for estrogyn and progesterone!  I am on Arimidex now!  Please explain this blood test further-I THANK YOU!

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Elinka, A CA-125 blood test does not measure estrogen levels.  CA-125 is a type of protein present in normal tissue such as the lining of ovaries or the uterus.  When normal barriers are destroyed it can enter the circulation.  In certain cancers such as uterine or ovarian cancers the level is monitored to evaluate how treatments are working.  CA-125 can also be elevated in other cancers such as breast but in smaller percentages.

[Elinka]

I thank you for your information!

Elinka