CA-125 screening tool???

[ALybella]

My mom went to the gynocologist for her yearly checkup. She is 55 years old. They sent her for a pelvic ultrasound, (every year) and a CA-125. Is this typical screening for a post menopausal women, or do they only sent the CA-125 when they suspect something.

I am really worried about her now. She claimed that they said her ovaries felt fine.


ANyone have a clue??

ANy comments would be appreciated.

Thank you

[jjsmama]

"sometimes my patients request it (I never say no)"

I think this is great, but many doctors seem to be skeptical about CA-125 tests. My experience is that they either say no outright (saying it's not necessary, etc.) or just sort of intimidate you with their tone and imply that you're asking too much of them or of the system or whatever.

Do you ever have to justify (to your administration or insurance companies) your backing of CA-125 tests? If so how do you justify it? I'd like to know so that I have something to say to my doctor other than, "Well I'd really, really like to have this test, pretty please!"

Thanks in advance and sorry for jumping the thread!

jjsmama

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi Alybella,
Your mother should ask why the CA 125 was drawn. It is not a screening test but sometimes my patients request it (I never say no). It can also be helpful to see how someone with endometriosis is doing. The CA 125 can be elevated by fibroids, infection, endometriosis, and cancer.
take care

[ALybella]

Also, I'm scared why did the doctor check her lymph nodes on her neck, (they were not palpable).  My mom complained to her about breast pain.

She ordered a pelvic sonogram, breast sonogram, (she just did a mamogram Brad2) and a CA-125.  Do these test sound suspicious???

[casper1991]

I only know of the CA-125 cause I just had one run. I have had MANY blood tests run and this CA-125 is a different test that must be asked for or warrented (from what I understand) and its a screening test done for cancer is the ovaries.

I havent gotten my levels back as of yet will have on Mon. My dr already says that she KNOWS it will come back as evalted based on my other tests.