CA125 Elevated

[MinnesotaNice]

3 years ago, dr. ordered a CA125 due to symptoms I had that have since disappeared or been explained.  However, the test was 26 (normal for our lab is 0-30).  MRI, internal ultrasound were fine for ovarian cancer.  Next year, follow up CA125 was 33.  Colonoscopy was fine; laproscopy (sp) exploratory was fine.  Wait and see.  Spring '07, gallbladder acted up and with those blood tests they repeated CA125 = 35.  Had CT scan with/without dye.  No gallstones, but found spot on liver -- unidentified.  Will repeat CT in 6 months.  Appears benign/nothing.  Meantime, had gallbladder removed (severely infected/had been for long time).  Repeated CA125 four months after surgery = 52.    Last test was done 2 days before end of menstruation; could test be raised because of that, or because of the recent surgery?  I feel fine.  Been referred to a hemotologist/onocologist and am waiting for appt. but am very confused.  

[ajanee]

My first test for ca125 was 1070 I had been poorley 3 months and in hospital 2 weeks. My doctor told me to lose some weight and get more exercise

[rmarie]

If the heme/Onc thinks there is concern, please go to a GYN/ONCOLOGIST.  They have the additional education in the treatment of dealing with these problems, regular OB/Gyn's do not (they deliver children, and do surgery that is not cancer)  I am surprised that you were not referred to the GYN/ONC instead of the Heme/Onc, you can ask for a referral

[Helmar]

Hello again.... I had to have a little wry smile at your last comment.. "The doctors are great, but it surprises me how much they miss sometimes".... and I couldn't agree with you more. I was going back and forth to mine for just over 9 months complaining of bloatedness, bowel changes, and I was told each time that I had IBS, Gastro, nerves... anything but cancer. They even did a colonscopy/gastroscopy and both showed nothing.... but eventually I was told I had Ovca 4. Just want to say, in the light of what happened with me, if you are not sure,or unhappy about something, insist that they do the right tests.... make sure they take it seriously. I'm not sure if most Doctors know much about Ovarian cancer, so anyone with worries that could be ovca, do need to press for the right tests. All the best.. and I hope everything works out well for you....Helen...

[MinnesotaNice]

I will be 46 in a few weeks, and am noticing some small pre-menopausal symptoms; nothing significant.  But  I need to read up on all of that.   In reading about the CA125 more on the internet last night, I have the feeling this number of 52 is not good and could mean trouble.  There are different proteins and antigens that are tested (2 proteins, 1 antigen) and I'm guessing my OB/GYN reviewed those specific numbers and ordered me to an oncologist.   He warned me if the numbers rose again (and they did -- 17 points) he would insist I go.  I'm be disappointed if I've gone through all this worry and wondering and find out this is all because I'm pre-menopausal plus 5 days into my period when I had the test done.  But I'll call tomorrow and ask about this because it makes me wonder if they're just missing those facts and I should have the test re-done in a week or so.  The doctors are great, but it surprises me how much they miss sometimes.  Thanks for your kind words.

[MinnesotaNice]

Thank you for your encouraging and kind comments.  I'm reassured that I don't have OVCA because my OB/GYN did an exploratory lapraosocopy (sp) just a year ago after the test initially started to rise.  Plus an MRI and internal ultrasound (2 of those).  Other simple things that could raise the test have been investigated and eliminated.  I had a lower right abdomonal CT 4 months ago for my gallbladder and that's when the liver nodule appeared.  They're not worried about that, and a follow up CT has been scheduled for Septemer with the dye just to recheck it has not grown.   The OB/GYN and my internist have referred me to an onocologist because they have checked everything they know.  I would think they would ask me if I was around the monthly period if it was a big deal in raising the test, but no one has mentioned it.  However, I will call tomorrow and ask after what you told me.  I'm so perplexed as to what this is and I'm afraid of the upcoming tests.  Thanks again for your kind words.  

[zoodle]

I had a CA-125 done because I don't know my family history.  It came back at 40. (Up from 28 in 2001).  I am premenopausal also, and then started my period 2 days after the blood test.  I did a repeat blood test a week after I stopped my period and my number was back to 28.  I also had a pelvic ultrasound just to be sure.  It was okay.  The waiting time for the tests and results are difficult.  I kept reading the posts from the amazing ladies on this post, and it gave me a great deal of comfort while I was waiting.  Best wishes to you.

[rmarie]

Keep in mind the CA 125 is not the most reliable test for ovarian cancer, and you are pre-menopausal which I believe makes it less.  I had a stage 3 OC with a CA 125 of 14.4.     Are you seeing a Gyn/Onc about this?  They have the additional education on women's issues.  I would write to Dr. Goodman if I were you on the Dr.'s OC forum.  Good luck

[Helmar]

Hello...Because I have Ovca, my daughter has her CA.125 tested just to be alert to any changes. The last time she had it done, was 2 days before her monthly and it came back at 18, but the one prior to that was only 6. Her Doctor told her that it was most likely elevated this time because of the time of the month that she had the test done.  I had a colonscopy/gastroscopy and they came back negative, but the cancer was working on the outside. It took a Ct.scan before they knew what my problem was, so just be alert to this. I've also had a little nodule on my liver too, but it's benign as it's not changed in 3 years. I wish you all the best, and hope that you are fine. hugs...Helen...