Slightly Elevated CA-125

[cjmetteer]

I just had a CA-125 test which showed it slightly elevated.  My ultrasound showed complex cysts on both ovaries.  My OB/GYN has recommended that I have a followup ultrasound and CA-125 test in 6 weeks.  My mother had ovarian cancer.  Should I seek a second opinion or follow my doctors recommendation.  Thank you.

[slcole]

Hi,

You may want to read info on the CA-125, I recommend John Hopkins website http://www.ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/ca125qa.cfm  The test is good when it works, but is not full proof esp for an early diagnosis. I think you should ask about a biopsy, but I'm very new to all this.

My mom just had an early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, we are lucky and it's stage I and contained. She had a small unusal cyst on her right ovary, found on an ultrasound for an emergency appendectomy. Her CA-125 was 133.  The CT was actually confusing as it didn't really show anything. She's 74 and when they removed the cyst, they biopsied it while she was under, and ended up doing a full hysterectomy.  She's just met with the gyn/oncologist yesterday and looking into her chemo options now. It seems even if found early the treatment is usu. chemo.

Good Luck and I hope you have the best possible outcome!

[meggander]

Hi.  I am not trying to be an alarmist but I think you should get a second opinion given your history.  I have an Ocyst that is 2cm and my doc said it had to come out and because of chronic pain with endo and adenomyosis, while she is in, taking the uterus also. I have not had the CA 125...never been told to and afraid to get one.

I had been going to my GP and he did the alarm thing a year ago and it was nothing so now he was ultra conservative but I sought a second opinion this time and though my new GYC after an internal felt things with my ovary sitch was fine, she scheduled an US that ended up showing and endometrioma on my left ovary, said it had to come out in the next 2 months.  

now...having a LSH...end of April.....

I wouldnt mess around with it!

thoughts are with you!

Meg

[Bo33]

As far as I know due the hx I had.. That is the standard. Your Md is being aggressive if he/she is looking to repeat it in 6 weeks. The standard is 8. But due to the hx I can see why. What was your Ca-125? Your age all of those things are factors. As I know the waiting game is definitely not easy, if you are not satisfied with that report, then seek a specialist preferably a gyn/oncologist.  I had a small hemorraghic cyst, back in October I was turning 34, my MD had me wait 6 weeks, but I also got a second a opinion for my own piece of mind which is why I found this forum it was helpful.

The cyst that I had disappeared however I have had another one done and  come back. I am not happy, and wish to now seek a MD for alternative treatment.

So by all means..I tell my children all the time, if don't have the right answers then ask questions until your satisfied!