CA-125

CA-125

A CA-125 test measures the amount of the cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) in a person’s blood. CA-125 is a protein that is a biomarker or tumor marker. It is found in greater concentration in cancer cells, particularly ovarian cancer cells.

Cancer types that can cause higher than normal levels of CA-125 include:

Ovarian cancer
Endometrial cancer
Fallopian tube cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Stomach cancer
Esophageal cancer
Colon cancer
Liver cancer
Breast cancer
Lung cancer
Cancers that have spread to the peritoneum (the abdomen's lining)

The CA-125 test helps doctors:

Monitor ovarian cancer and other cancers to determine if they are responding to treatment
Monitor patients with ovarian and other cancers post-treatment to check for cancer recurrence
To an extent, screen for ovarian cancer in women who are at high risk for developing the disease

High levels of CA-125 aren't always due to cancer. Other conditions that may cause higher levels of CA-125 include: uterine fibroids, endometriosis, lupus, liver disease, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), the first trimester of a pregnancy, menstruation.

In addition, recent abdominal surgery or radioactive scans can alter CA-125 levels.

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