CA 125 elevated to 95 - complex ovarian cyst ultrasound at CAT scan o.k. Whatnex

[cip]

My CA 125 has elevated to 95 over a month. Ultrasound and cat scan reveal only a cyst What is the logical next step here My risk is assessed as low to mild

[cip]

Thank You. It has been such a relief to me to talk to other people who have had similiar concerns. I hope your recovery is going well....

[cip]

That is a good idea I will start a new question. My gyn had orignially said it was ok to do a laparoscopy or a laparotomy, but now he advises hysterectomy. I asked him if he could do an ovarian biopsy to see if it was cancer and he said if there were cancer cells  they might get into the peritoneal fluid. So then I asked him if he could have the fluid biopsy for cancer cells. He said yes - but that is not my recommendation for you - if someone else recommends it I believe it is below the standard of care. He told me his wife has ovarian cancer - it sounds like she is really suffering.Again he, (and the surgeon) told me I was "probably" lower risk after looking at my scans, etc. It is the CA 125 level that they are alarmed at (95) I have a hysterectomy scheduled for the 14th after I get back from vacation. I also have a second opinion scheduled for the 16th with a different gyn. I am inclined to back the surgery up until afterward.

[cip]

I went back to my gyn and asked him if he could just do biopsy of ovary - he said if there was anything it would risk spreading cells - I asked if he could do a washing of inner fluid for cells - he said he could but that what he now would recommend was hysterectomy. He said oncologists get concerned with a CA-125 over 60 - mine is 95.5. I have not been diagnosed with cancer via ultra sound or cat scan, yet have this level. Why can't I get a diagnosis before I have everything in my body removed?  Is this common? I am upset by what appear to be a total lack of alternatives.How do they know this level isn't related to fibroids or endometriosis? If anyone has ever heard of this or had it happen, I'd appreciate some information. I am going to schedule the major surgery, then get another opinion in the interum......

[cip]

I have irregular periods now, and sometimes intense bleeding with clots, etc. Currently, I have been bleeding since 11-1. It got less and I was hoping I would stop, but today I am bleeding very heavily again. I am going to Jamacia for vacation on Saturday - I have been praying to stop bleeding and not be cramping. I don't know what to do I have been looking forward to this for so long and now I barely want to go. I have no idea what this is related to - I didn't get a period from May to Sept, so maybe this is "catching up"?

[cip]

Thank you, Raven Lady. Did you have a laproscopy? If so, how are you feeling? The fibroids are something I've had awhile. The second doctor thought "why not just take everything out and see if your CA 125 goes down?" I am almost 52, premenopausal.  I am extremely active, and don't want to be laid up for a month or more if it is avoidable. My understanding is that fibroids and endometriosis can elevate CA125. My inclination is for a biopsy to determine if I have ovarian cancer, and if I don't, to assume my CA 125 is elevated because of my other conditions(I don't know yet if I have endometriosis). I am trying to avoid a huge surgery if I don't need one. Does this sound reasonable to other people. Has any one else had this dilemma?

[cip]

Thank you for responding. My cyst is a small complex one - I have had an ultra sound and a CAT scan. I also have fibroids -my doctor was initally going to do a laproscopy-I asked him if an oncologist could do it and he referred me to someone who assessed my risk  as low but who wanted to do a total hysterectomy. I was floored. Can't they just biopsy the cyst and ovary to rule out ovarian cancer?

[MickeyVicki]

The only way to determine whether a cyst is malignant or benign is to perform surgery.  If your doctor has categorized your cyst as likely being benign, then he or she will probably schedule you for follow-up scans or ultrasounds to monitor the cyst.  Otherwise, the doctor will recommend surgery.

A number of conditions can raise the CA-125 levels, including endometriosis, liver disease,  sinus infections or colds, and even the cyst itself.