High CA-125

[Vperk]

I am very new to posting online, this is my first time, so not really sure how to explain what I would like to know, but I will do my best.  I am 48 years old and I went to my dr. for my annual exam. I wasnt having any problems that I noticed. Upon examination, I was told my uterus was the size of a 14 week pregnancy and that it was pressing against my bladder.  My dr. told me she felt it needed to come out and she ordered a "us".  The results of the "us" showed I have several fibroid tumors and a cyst on my ovary.  I was sent for lab work which included a CA-125.  I knew what they were checking because my mother-n-law has just completed chemo for ovarian cancer.  My CA-125 is 249.  According to my dr. the "us" didnt show any fluid and that is a good sign. She said there is a possibility that the CA-125 was high due to the fibroids, however I am scheduled for a total hysterectomy on Tuesday, Oct. 10th.  I guess what my question really is, has anyone ever heard of someones CA125 being this high and it not being cancer? As I have read in some of the other posts on this site, I am also very frightened and dont really know what to expect.  I was just wondering what others might know.

[JC145]

You added your note to a post from 2006 ... start a new one for better results.

The CA125 is for ovarian.  The # varies with the lab.  For me, under 21 is normal.  For most women, it's under 35.  48 could just be an inflammation  .. but you might want to check it out further.  

I think the CEA is for colon

Repost your question as a new question. Good luck.

Judy

[BarbaraGrace]

I had borderline ovarian cancer in 2000.  No treatments were needed and the doctors said they got it all.  I have not had any problems there since then.   A couple of weeks ago I asked my Dr. about CA 125 after reading about it on internet.  He said it was a test for colon cancer.  Is it only for o.c. or is it also for other organs?  My test came back high at 48.  Anyone know if this is a sign the cancer is back or what?
Barbara

[cinny83]

I am so happy for you!  I know how hard it is to watch a family member with cancer - it's tough on everybody and then when you are going through testing you don't want to worry everyone else.

This is a great site - it helps a lot to talk to people who understand.

My CA125 was 4 with normal 0 to 24.  I have 3 cysts (2 complex 1 simple) on right ovary that have been there same size 3-4cm since June (3 ultrasounds).  1st GYN talked like removal of ovary but she is on leave, so 2nd GYN in her practice said - surgery is up to me, that I don't need it unless the pain is too bad - she thinks it's a dermoid.  Follow up U/S in 6 months.  I'm 45 premenapausal.

I think I should probably get another opinion although right now I'd like to just forget about it.  Any comments?

[Vperk]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to give you an update on my surgery.  I am clear of "OC"!  I must say it was such a relief to be told that I did not have cancer.  My dr. said I had endometriosis which was quite intensive. (Strange I never had pain). I also had the fibroid tumors and the  6 cm. cyst on my ovary which was sent to the lab during surgery but came back benign.  Other than being sore, I think I am in pretty good shape.  I want to thank ALL of you for your support and prayers.  I really did lean on you guys, more than you know.  This is such a wonderful forum for people to come to and share their feelings with other people that are going through the same thing.  I didnt think I had much hope, but after reading some of the postings I found here, I at least knew I wasnt alone in going through this.  I love you all and will be watching for updates on each of you.

vicki

[merytre]

Hope you got all the prayers, let us know how you did with surgery sweetie.  Merytre

[LL2006]

Good luck with your surgery Vicki.  I will keep you in my thoughts (and prayers :) :).  I know your family has been through alot as of late and I completely understand your not wanting to have further worries. Draw strength from their support.  You sound like a close knit family (mucy like my own). Know that there are alot of non-family members :) that will be thinking about you on Tuesday.

[Vperk]

Thanks so much for your replies.  I am sure you understand that at this point I am grasping for any information I can get.  I feel numb and dont really want to talk to my family, it just makes them worry that much more.  For the past year my family has been going through the ups and downs of the treatment for ovarian cancer with my mother n law.  Things with her seem to be stable for now, but now we are looking at the possibility of this ugly disease again. Probably part of the reason I am so nervous about what my dr. will find when she does my surgery on Tuesday.  Again, thanks  for taking the time to help someone with their fears.  I wish you both luck on your results!

Vicki

[LL2006]

Thanks so much Merytre for your input. I find your input very reassuring. Your history does sound similar to my own. I'll keep my fingers crossed.  I agree this site is very helpful, in that I am not one to discuss this type of thing with anyone (other than my husband). Even at that, not very much. I don't want to talk to my sisters at this point, because there really isn't anything to tell. Hopefully I'll get my results soon and can put this behind me. Thanks again.

[LL2006]

I have complete empathy for you.  I too posted my first msg. only 1 week ago or so.  My question was similar to yours, in that my CA125 was outside of normal limits. My first rdg. 3/12 ago was at 85.  The second rdg. 1/52 ago was 97. I fully understand the fact that this is not a reliable test for diagnosing ovarian ca, however, my doctor feels a false alarm is better than no alarm. My only symptom (which took me to my GP in the first place) was continuous bleeding for 13 days and spotting after intercourse. Also the urgency to urinate which I thought could be a bladder infection.  My periods are still very regular, although I am 49 yo. I do have faith in my doctor and I draw strength from her care. I've seen the same GP for 13 yrs (although thankfully only for my annual exam). I consider myself pretty fortunate to be in good health and not on any meds. The unfortunate thing is my family history .. several cases of breast ca (including my mom and grandmother), 1 aunt, 1 young cousin, as well as ovarian ca in 1 maternal aunt. My first tr.vg.u/s was negative, a second one (ordered by the ob/gyn) was performed yesterday. The sonographer called in the radiologist after the pelvic u/s. No result so far. Good luck Vperk. Pls keep posting as it can be therapeutic (even rdg. the posts).

[merytre]

I suffered urinary frequency, went to my GP several times got put on antibiotics that never worked.  Ended up getting a vaginal u/s showing two tennis ball tumors on each ovary my CA125 was elevated.  We decided on surgery to take everything out. I was a wreak.  The ladies on this site kept me in check.  had the surgery last thursday and it turned out to be endometriomas.  I never even knew I had endometriosis but for the six months preceeding the extreme urinary symptoms I had VERy painful periods.  I think the fact that you have period irregularities with this would indicate more of an endometriosis problem then cancer.  Endometriosis causes CA 125 to be elevated.  Also you period can, and since they are irregular it would be hard for them to time the CA125 to get an accurate result.  My GYN/ONC also said many things can elevate it,, he said something I have not heard on here before that even a COLD can cause it to go up, so most likely it isn't anything.  That test is an SOB pardon my french.  Hope this gives you some peace, Take care, Merytre

[cinny83]

I am waiting for my CA125 results - my doctor told me she hates this test especially for premenapausal women.  She's seen high numbers with no malignacy and low numbers that turn out to be cancer - so it can be very unreliable.  Best of luck on your surgery - try not to worry until you have to - which is very difficult I know.