High CA125 - hysterectomy 7 years ago

[jatvat]

I am in my 50's and had a hysterectomy 7 years ago.  My mother and two of her sisters, that we know of, died of ovarian cancer which is why the hysterectomy.  I had a physical last week and requested a CA125 test.  The test came back at 182.3.  How can this be if I no longer have ovaries, a uterus or filopian tubes?  What are the possiblities or concerns with such a high count?  Thank you for your time.

[Crickie]

What has your doctor said about the high CA number? I know the normal is less than 35. Many things can cause a high number (infections,etc), Even if you had a hysterectomy and ovaries removed you can still get ovarian cancer (without having ovaries. From what I read, there is still some ovarian tissue remaining once they are removed and this may becaome cancerous. Please get followed up by your doctor, it may just be that the number is up for other reasons other than cancer. The CA125 is not an accurate marker, you may have a high number (as yourself) and it may be due to other causes or one could have a normal number and still have cancer. The CA125 is used along with other tests (vaginal ultrasound, ct scans, manual pelvic exam, etc). and it is used as a screeing for recurrence of cancer once diagnosed and in treatment. How you had any other tests? I'm not a doctor, these are just my opinions from my own experience with ovarian cancer. Good luck to you.