CA-125 Levels elevating after surgery

[WildFlower84]

In August I was diagnosed with having a borderline malignant serous tumor that was 12 cm round in my left ovary and was removed along with my left ovary and fallopian tube. In July (pre surgery) I took my first CA-125 blood test and it was elevated to 260. One month after the surgery I was given another CA-125 test and it was 94. Last week (7 weeks after surgery) I was given another test and my test results show that it was 174.

Should I be concerned?

My doctor had me take another CA-125 test today to make sure that there were not any other factors going on with my body that could have elevated it. But, I can't help but worry...I've heard of others talk about their CA-125 gradually lowering...but has anyone had their levels go down then elevate and have a good outcome?! I really don't know what to ask or to worry about...I guess I'm just shocked and confused.

[Plonanon]

What was your stage? Have you discussed the rise in CA-125 with your doctor? What does your doctor say? It does sound odd.

[nyc lady]

There are numerous reasons why your CA125 could be high....an infection of any kind can throw off the numbers.   Your doctor is sheduling another test because they need to see a trend, they won't do anything based on one test and one number.

All I can say, is hang in there....let's see what the next shows, and why not ask the doctor for a CT Scan or sonogram just to be certain that they don't see any kind of masses.

Keep us advised on what is going on....and try not to panic, until you know for certain that there is something to worry about.

Best of luck,
Pam

[Angie_Lou]

I was dx with stage 3C and my CA 125 level was around 950 after surgery and then jumped to 2600 after my first chemo session, but then, decreased significantly with each of the following 5 sessions in that first round of chemo.  That was 2 years ago and I will most likely have chemo the rest of my life with breaks in between.

Even though your tumor was borderline, you don't mention if your doctor has suggested any kind of "preventive or follow-up" treatment after your surgery.  The normal CA 125 level is supposedly below 35 and once, my onc mentioned to me that a slightly increased CA 125 level could mean a change in hormonal status in your body at the time the CA 125 test is taken; such as menstration.

However, any increase above 100 may mean more than just a hormonal change in your body at the time the test is taken.  As in my case, I have cancer activity and my present CA 125 level is at 141.

Depending on your test of today, the best thing I can suggest is, talk to your oncologist extensively about this and what action is recommended at this stage in your life.   My best to you.  Angie

[WildFlower84]

Thank you all for your responses!

Plonanon
I was diagnosed with borderline ovarian cancer due to borderline malignant cells in my tumor. I am with a new doctor (who i just saw yesterday) who is suppose to be the best in my area and I have an Gyn/Oncologist 2.5 hours away from me that are working together to figure out why my CA-125 was elevated. I was recently given my first Ultra Sound post surgery and they said they found a small node and a cyst growing on my right ovary.

NYC LADY
Your comment was very reassuring that there are numerous reasons why my CA-125 may have elevated. I guess it was just a huge shock for me...I will post my results when I get them! Thanks again.

Angie
From what I understand from my oncologist and my new OB/GYN I am just a difficult case b/c I am only 24 years old and have not had any children. They say I will probably have a total hysterectomy after i have children. The path I was taking was to take a CA-125 and ultrasounds every 3 months for the next two years. But once I took my first CA-125 post surgery and it was high they planned on monitoring me every month for 3 months. But now that it's elevating I am not sure what path they are taking next....I'm sure once I get the results in at the end of this week i'll know. It's just been a roller coaster ride these last few months and hearing your stories make me stronger! Thank you all. I truly appreciate your comments and suggestions I am so new to all of this and it's pretty scary at times.  

[Angie_Lou]

I didn't look at your profile, and I'm so sorry that I didn't acknowledge how young you are.  There is another woman on this forum that is young and I believe pregnant.  I think Osborn or Ozborn is her login and she may have some useful information for you if you are planning on having children.  I believe networking with the right people is truly helpful.  I'm old and childless, so, I haven't anything further to offer you in this department!

Good luck, sweetie!  Angie

[WildFlower84]

Hi guys. So, my CA-125 came back a little lower but not low enough for my doctors...they have compared my latest ultra sounds with my ca-125 and they are pretty sure I am growing another mass on my right ovary. So, my oncologist and ob/gyn will be surgically removing the mass by performing a laparoscopy.