CA125 level

[tinkerbell76]

I would like to know if you have a CA125 marker of 72.6 does that mean that you have ovarian cancer?

[maxsmom2]

I have uterine carcinosarcoma, for which ca125 is used to detect recurrance of the cancer.  For what it is worth, my internist told me that the test is not so useful for diagnosis of cancer (due to the false positives and negatives) but that it is helpful to track recurrance.  
My gyn/onc at a major cancer treatment center told me that the ca125 was what told her if my chemo was working (because of the progressively lowered numbers).
The ca125 should be right on your labwork report, along with your bloodcount, etc.  I recommend that you get copies of all labwork and diagnostic testing, as well as copies of all consults from the doctors.  It helps you to better understand what is going on and also you can more quickly share with your doctors, especially if going for a second opinion, rather than relying on a medical office or hospital to forward the records.
good luck!

[MickeyVickiNumber1]

There should have been a scale or notation included with the test results given to your doctor.   It was likely in small print at the bottom of the page.  

There are several types of CA125 tests.  One common test lists values of  0 to 35 as Normal,  values of 36 to 99 as Elevated (more testing advised) and values of 100 to above as High (cancer likely.)

However, the CA125 tests can be  PRONE TO GIVING FALSE RESULTS, as they  can be influenced by other conditions such as peri-menopauses,  endometriosis, abdominal infections or inflammation (stomach flu or diarrhea) , sinus infections,  and even medication.    And this is the reason why we have repeated stories of people with CA125 values in the hundreds (I have heard of one as high as 1000!!) who are found at surgery to be cancer-free, while there are also tales of women with low CA125 values who are sadly found to have cancer.

What this all means----more testing and/or follow-up is necessary.  The CA125 test is basically used to help your doctor determine the need for further testing, or  for surgery , or how to proceed during surgery.

[tinkerbell76]

I have had another CA125 test on December 21, 2007 and my next appointment is next Thursday so I will find out then, because when my doctor read my medical records he could not find anything referring to the CA125 of 72.6.  So I just have to pray and wait.

[Helmar]

Hello...not necessarily. There are other situations that can cause a rise in the CA.125. I agree with Jun... do another test, and then take it further if you still have the same number. My cancer was detected by Ct scan, so maybe that could be a good option if you still have doubts.
Wishing you all the best....hugs...Helen...

[junamgen]

i don't think so, The final Dx of OVCA is biopsy. inflamation can also cause elevated ca125.  if I were you I would repeat ca125 test one more time and have a US too.
Best wish for the holiday season.

Jun