CA-125 Question

[LisaLisa1]

Hi, one more question:  is a higher CA-125 level representative of a more advanced stage of cancer?  Is it possible to be in early stages, but have a CA-125 level of almost 2000?  Thanks.

[dian07]

Did you meet with a gyn/onc today.....what did he/she say?  Was your ca125 checked again today, or what is going on?
My ca125 was 150 and I was caught at stage IC. I cannot speak to other's results, as I don't know.
Please come back and talk.
Peace.
dian

[vixen28]

It is my understanding that a higher level of CA-125 is NOT indicative of a later stage of cancer. In fact, I was told by the oncologist nurse that you could have a CA-125 well into the thousands and not have OVCA at all OR have a reading within the normal range and be dx with OVCA. The CA-125 test is indicative only and is, I believe, most valuable in determining the effectiveness of treatment of cancer patients, ie the CA-125 is tested at intervals throughout treatment and if the level is decreasing, indicates that the type of treatment being used is working well. I saw a women's health nurse today and she reiterated the fact that this test is unreliable in determining if a patient has cancer. She is a breast cancer survivor and has annual CA-125 tests (9 years later). Her last one soared to very high levels and before her scheduled consultation, her Gyn/Onc ordered another one a week or 2 later, it came back normal!!

[LisaLisa1]

Thanks, Vixen.  I have surgery scheduled next week to remove the tumours.