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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
CA125 Elevated After Surgery
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
CA125 Elevated After Surgery
by Cagney2712, Jun 16, 2007 12:00AM
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??
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??
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Jun 17, 2007 12:00AM
, Jun 17, 2007 12:00AM
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).
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).
Member Comments (3)
by Cagney2712, Jun 17, 2007 12:00AM
To: Dr. AKG
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?
by akg, Jun 18, 2007 12:00AM
hi Cagney - no it is too long after the surgery to be a casue for elevation
