To: So..I got my CA-125 back today

[jonzbeach]

After my worrisome MRI which showed the bil cysts and my appt with the gyn who on transvaginal ul saw 10 cm cyst, I was kind of sweating what the CA-125 would show and it came back as 12.  Am I okay to breath a little easier..going in for the laparoscopy?  I don't know.  Over on the absolutely dreaded ovarian cancer board (I do not know where those ladies get their strength)...  it seems CA-125's are all over the place..of course it is actually more of a barometer for how treatment is going.  I guess I was just hoping that the odds are this is benign.  I know the histology is the final answer..but what do you all think...?  BTW..I do not seem to have the very bad symptoms everybody else is..my cyst was found incidentally (on an ultrasound as part of a checkup as I am unfortuately quite obese).  But of course..now that I know I have this..all I feel is the cyst on my ovary!!   Oh well..thank goodness for this board!!

[Sandymac]

When is your surgery scheduled?? Make sure to keep in touch and let us know how it goes..And you're right.. it can be elevated for a LOT of things.

Take care,
Sandy

[Morrowville]

Hi Jonzbeach,

I didn't have any pains until the night my cysts started leaking & twisting.  Then, HELLO!
That's how I started my journey down this path.  Like you, I am quite obese.  My CA 125 came back 10.  Everything on my results was clear.  Since my cyst was pretty big, they had to do the open surgery.  I know, it's risky because we're so fat, but I wound up healing really really well from the 20" incision across my abdomen.  And they were able to "get at" the tumor much easier (and get it removed without too much trouble).

Best of luck to you, please keep us posted!

Donna

[Neta100]

I totally agree with Sandy, the pathology is what rules what it is, but most of the time these cysts are benign.  Like you, they found cysts in my left ovary by doing an abdominal MRI and I haven't had any symptoms.  I also had the CA - 125 marker done and it's elevated, but it can be elevated for other reasons like the cysts, fibroids, or endometriosis and not be necessarily cancer.  I am scheduled to be operated. Let's hope for the best.

Neta

[Sandymac]

Regarding the CA-125--- from what I've learned (on the other forum, as well as my Dr.,)  CA-125 isn't a reliable test for premenopausal women. that's why it isn't used routinely as a screening tool . It's slightly more reliable with post menopausal women.. so, it depends on your age. I've heard women that have had relatively low CA-125 and still have OVCA .. also higher CA-125 and have no cancer whatsoever. How does your Dr. feel about it? Even though it isn't totally reliable, I think they feel it's better than nothing!

You're right--- the final answer will be in the pathology... When is your laparoscope scheduled??? Let us know how it goes..

Good luck ,
Sandy