high ca-125 and billateral ovarian masses

[gma718]

I just had a few qustions which I am sure someone can answer me...Is it true that if you have 2 masses one on each ovary that it usually means that it is not ovarian cancer? also, Is 44 a high ca-125? I would appreciate any answers. thanks

[LindaF]

44 is above normal but not much. Normal range being under 35. I've heard that low elevations is more indicative of endometriosis. A mass on each ovary could easily be caused by endo. The only thing that tells the real picture is final pathology.

[gma718]

Thanks..my doctor thinks it is endo but not sure until he does the surgery. thank you for the info

[LindaF]

Good. My doc would say the same given a similar situation.

Y'know, I'll tell you, the CA-125 is funny in that it can be elevated in premenopausal women for so many reasons. John's Hopkins, at least my docs there, will simply not use it for diagnostics because they say it scares women unnecessarily.  

I remember when I had my other cyst before surgery, I posted on a web site and said my CA-125 was 28, within normal range. Do you know some woman wrote me back and told me "Well, my sister was 28 and that's actually borderline. She did have OVCA". Now tell me, what was the point of that? I referred to her as the Angel of Death.  

The best thing you can do is simply do the surgery and get your results. It's terrifying yes, but not nearly so much as wait and see. I had a really tough time waiting. I got through because one friend wouldn't let my mind waver. I would say "what if" and he'd say "you've having the surgery and no decisions without pathology". Perfect....like 1,000 Xanax!

[gma718]

The waiting is the worst...i have been putting it off foolishly,,,,but I am starting to come to terms with I must have the surgery,,,no choices!!!

[worrywartgirl]

I have a CA125 of 44 also! I had my MRI, u/s, and bloodwork done (have a 3.3 cm left ovarian cyst with nodularity) and next week I am meeting with my GYN about doing the laprascopic surgery, which I am def gonna have them do. I will let you know what they find. I am hopeful that my cyst is benign.