CA125 normal

[LaurieRose]

Just rang up for my CA125 blood test results and they've come back normal. I'm crying, don't know why. I'm 50 post menopausal with right adnexal cystic mass, was suspected borderline but am I right in assuming I don't have cancer now? And what do I do about the symptoms and will the cyst go away on its own? Sorry for all the questions, just feeling confused.

[AskEveTeam]

Hi there Laurie,

Please don't apologise for asking questions - it's what we're here for and you're not the only one to feel confused and upset even when test results come back with good news! Completely normal to feel like this, so don't feel bad!

Ok, so let's answer your questions, after being told that your CA125 results are normal:

1. Am I right in assuming I don't have cancer now? - In about 80-85% of cases, an adnexal cyst isn't cancerous. Doing a CA125 test is often one of the first steps when investigating potential ovarian malignancies, and it's great that your results aren't at a worrying number. However, a CA125 test isn't a test for ovarian cancer, but is part of the jigsaw puzzle when putting together the 'picture' of a woman's ovarian concern/problem. The results can be high when there is nothing wrong with the ovaries, or low/normal when something is going on, but it IS generally a good indicator - so this in your case suggests that you don't have cancer, but we need to stress that it's not a definitive test.

2. And what do I do about the symptoms - If the symptoms are causing you a lot of pain/problems, then this needs to be looked into, as even if it's not cancer, you shouldn't have to put up with pain etc. We'd suggest going back to your doctor and asking what can be done. It might involve removing the cyst at your local hospital with the gynae team.

3. Will the cyst go away on its own? - It might, or it might not, which we know isn't a very helpful answer! Lots of ovarian cysts do go away on their own, this is typically monitored over the course of a few months, i.e. a few menstrual cycles if the woman is pre-menopause.

Hopefully your doctor can help you with the symptoms, or make the appropriate referral to remove the cysts if it doesn't go away on it's own.

Wishing you all the best,

Ask Eve

[LaurieRose in reply to AskEveTeam]

Thank you so much this really helped.