CA125 Elevated After Surgery

In Feb. 2007 I had a TAH/BSO due to a complex ovarian cyst. Pathology determined that it was a "borderline" Stage 1A serous tumor arising in a serous cystadenofibroma, & that it was a "low malignancy potential." All other biopsies done during the staging were benign. The gyn. oncologist determined that no chemo was necessary, but I follow up with her every 3 months.

A month before surgery my CA125 was 44; the week before surgery it had dropped to 22.5.  A few weeks ago, I had a follow-up CA125 done, and assumed it would have gone down even more. However, it was 40.  Given that I had surgery over 3 months ago, and the type of cancer found, I'm wondering what would cause the CA 125 to have gone up, not down? Could something have been missed?  How concerned should I be? I realize that many things can influence the CA125,  but I have had a great recovery from surgery, and even have been pleasantly suprised that I've not had any menopause symptoms. What could be going on??

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Cagney,

I would suggest that you have your CA 125 repeated several more times. It could be just the normal flux of lab tests. if there is a trend such as the CA 125 is starting go up (for instance 40 then 60 then 100 etc), I would suggest a laparoscopy to see if there is any thing else going on.

Other reasons for an elevation in CA 125 include inflammation such as: pneumonia, gladder inflammation, diverticulitis, liver disease.

Also certain herbal medications can raise the CA125 ( probably by their effect on the liver).

[Cagney2712]

Is it true that the surgery itself could cause the CA125 to be elevated??  If so, could that possibly account for mine being 40  3 1/2 months after surgery, or was that too long after surgery  for that to be a factor?

[akg]

hi Cagney - no it is too long after the surgery to be a casue for elevation