CA-125

[alyx]

I just recently had a CA125 level of 166.5.  In 2006 my level was 17.  A ultra sound was preformed indicating a cyst at about 6 cm.  I will go for a MRI in the next few days.  One, can they give me the results of the MRI at that very moment?  Two, are there questions that I should ask about my surgery?  Three, is my level indicating more than endometreosis (sorry for the spelling).
Alyx

[purrrkat]

Hi there,

I agree with everything the women here are saying. 6 cm is really not that large, and a CA-125 of 166 is elevated, but not extremely elevated. Some women who I've read about have had it at that level (and even higher) and not had ovarian cancer. It's simply not reliable as a screening tool. However, like the other women here have said, you want to push to have OVCA ruled out. It sounds like you're on the right path to do that.

I have a couple of questions: 1. Are you premenopausal? I'm asking this because cysts and elevated CA-125 that are NOT related to OVCA are more common in premenopausal women. 2. Do you actually have endometriosis? If so, again, your elevated CA-125 could easily be explained by endo; moreso than if it were in the 1000's.

I've not heard anything about black women having a higher incidence of OVCA. I might be mis-remembering, but I think I read somewhere that it's actually more common in caucasion women, particularly those of Ashkanazi Jewish descent. They have a higher incidence of certain genetic mutations (called BRCA1 and BRCA2) that predispose them to breast and ovarian cancers.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

[silver&gold]

Hi,
The incidence of ovarian cancer is slightly higher among caucasian women than african american . I have looked at a couple of websites and they have all said this . Im not an expert at reading statistical information but there are a few sites if you want to look for yourself .
   Best wishes Angie

[SimplyStar]

Not that I know of, we all have identical equipment,  one thing that did come out at a conference on OVCA  was the remark by an onocologist  that the best way to approach the doctor  when you have a cyst is to tell them you want them to rule out OVCA. With the elevated CA125, I would insist on that approach. A trans vaginal ultra sound is also recommended for your situation.  they will most likely do the laprascope surgery since the cyst is only 6 cm.  Good luck  marty

[alyx]

ovarian cancer statistics for different races.  
Oh, my gyn did and is in contact with a onco gyn.
Alyx

[silver&gold]

Hi Alyx,
what statistics are you meaning ?  ovarian cancer statistics for different races ?

[alyx]

I am 46 years old.  I am also a black woman.  Are there any statistics on the different races?
Thank you ladies, Alyx

[silver&gold]

Hi,
there are several reasons for an elevated ca125 , cysts,fibroids,endometriosis,menstruation,colds,chest infections,pelvic inflammatory disease and more. If this cyst is complex then they are generally removed once they reach 5cm and over .Its not possible to know if endometriosis is the only reason for your elevated ca125  as these numbers vary from woman to woman as we are all different. I don,t think you would be able to get your MRI results straight away , I live in the uk and have to wait for a written report from a radiologist first. Approximately 95% of cysts are benign even the complex types so try not to worry too much . Its difficult to answer some questions as you don,t say how old you are or give much back ground information .
  Hope you get on ok  best wishes Angie

[SimplyStar]

The techs doing the MRI  cannot and usually do not give out results, they should always be read by a qualified radiologist. You do not state your age.  When you do have your surgery, are you planning on an onocologist surgeon?  Not that you have cancer, because most  cysts are benign, and OVCA is considered rare, but because the onoc  is the most experienced to clean up in the remote case that it is cancer. At the very least, tell youir surgeon  that you would like the onoc  standing by just in case.   Yes endo can raise the CA125 levels as can many other things, no diagnosis should ever be made on just the numbers alone.  the only true dx is made from a path report on tissue removed during biopsy or surgery. good Luck  marty