CA 125

[Missy G]

What is a normal Level for a CA 125 blood test? I am 49 & post menopausal. I had a blood draw today and should have the results in a few days. So what number is something to be concerned about? My pelvic ultrasounds came back normal, but I have several symptoms that correlate with ovarian cancer.
My PCP is having me see a Gastrologist as well.

[Missy G]

Gail & Cagney, Thanks for your input, it really helped. I got the results of the CA 125 today and it was 8.8. Which is good and now for the fun part. Off for a colonoscopy and maybe some answers. Funny thing is this pain is so low in my abd (R ovary/Uterus) area that it just seems like it would be a gyno issue. Time will tell. Thanks again!

"Missy"

[Cagney2712]

There are so many things that can influence the CA-125 reading, it really is not a good tool for "predicting" cancer.  It's most effective as one means of assessing the effectiveness of treatment in someone who is being treated for ovarian cancer.  The rule of thumb is that a "normal" CA-125 is 30 or below,  but like I said, it can be influenced by MANY things,and other conditions besides ovarian cancer can cause an elevation, so even if it is elevated that doesn't mean cancer. The fact that your pelvic ultasound was normal is a good sign. Just wondering though, did you just have a pelvic US, or did you also have a transvaginal ultrasound?? That seems to give a better view of the ovaries,  though my ovarian cyst was detected on the pelvic US. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are like the symptoms for many other conditions,  that's why it often is not detected until it is advanced.  So, while you didn't specify what symptoms you're having, it is certainly possible it's something GI related and not ovarian, especially if your ultrasound didn't show anything abnormal with your ovaries.  Let us know what your CA-125 shows, and what your GI doctor has to say.
Karen

[gah_70]

Typically, 0-35 is normal, however, there are other scales some doctors use.  Mine uses one where 0-20 is normal.  Your best bet would be to call the doctor's office and ask.  One thing to keep in mind is that if your doctor uses the 0-35 scale, 2 is no more normal than 34.  If it is in the normal range, it is normal.  Some women just happen to have a reading that is higher.  Other things besides OvCa can make the numbers rise, too.  If you have a benign cyst, or endometriosis, that can make it higher.  Gastro troubles or lung problems can also make the results go up.  What symptoms are you having?  Good on you for getting things checked out.  Please come back and let us know what you find out.  Best wishes to you!

Gail