Ca-125 level slightly increased.

[CND125]

Hi, I’m new here and I’m basically here to get some insight about ca-125 level.

Recently, I’ve been having this feeling like there’s something wrong with me, with my body. I decided to have some tests. The lab where I had my tests done had this package of a variety of tests including tumer markers. So I did the whole package. I had the tests done on the forth day of my period.

As I expected, my iron level was low among other stuff. However, what really stressed me out was the level of ca-125, which was 39.77 and it was double checked.

I contaced my ob-gyn over the phone and she said that I shouldn’t be worrying about it as it is slightly increased so it might be some kind of cyst that will go away by itself! Her schedule is full and she can’t fit me in any time soon.

I’m turning 32 in a couple of weeks. Married with 2 kids. I have symptoms that I previously associated with things like iron deficincy, menustration, ovulation, ..etc. Now I keep relating them to the worst case that I might be in. I have relatives from both my mom and dad side who had cancer. Recently, my cousin, who’s in his mid 30s, had a cancerous tumor.

Is 39.77 high enough to worry? Shall I do the test again or go see another ob-gyn? And when is it the best time of your cycle to have your ca-125 checked?

Thanks a bunch!

[Lyndy]

Hello...in general the ca125 is an indicator when you have a sustained rise over several weeks or even months. So it isn’t a yes/no kind of test. I would suggest that you take note of what the doctor has said and maybe ask for a retest after a month or so xx

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Whilst your CA125 is 39.77it's only JUST above normal range and this could be caused by a number of things. You say you are having symptoms, can you let us know what they are? As Lyndy says it might be worth having a re-test in a month or so. Kathy xx

[TheOvacomeTeam Partner]

Dear CND125

I'm sorry you're having a worrying time. I'm sure our members will add to Lyndy and Kathy's good advice. I just wanted to let you know that if you have the CA-125 test during your period it can double or even triple the result, so you need to make sure and have the test done when you're not on your period.

Best wishes

Anna

Ovacome Support Service Manager

[CND125]

Thank you so much guys, you’ve definitely put me at ease. I will redo the test again- this time after my period of course.

The symptoms that I’ve been having are:

- Increased abdominal and back pain around and after my period, which I associated with period and ovulation. And by increased I mean more than I’ve ever experienced in my life before.

- Except around my period, I’ve been feeling full after eating small meals and snacks! Which should be a good thing but is making me worry now. (Reason I had in mind: aging!)

- Two things that I believed are related to a c-section that I had two years ago: occasional shooting pain in the right side of my lower abdomen + noticeably bigger, bulging lower abdomen.

- This last symptom is still confusing me and I did have it 3 or 4 times in the past few weeks. I did feel something like a movement in my tummy, like when a baby kicks! It startled me every single time it happened. I kept thinking .. maybe gases moving around?? I honestly don’t know any other possible reason behind this strange symptom. Anybody experienced this thing before?

Btw, I do understand that our bodies change as we get older and the way they react to even the same things that we’ve been experiencing for years before. I think a huge part of my worrying lies on the fact that I’ve lost loved ones and seen so many people go through a lot because of a condition that I might be having, even if there is a %.0001 chance that I MIGHT have it, it is still gonna make me worry a bit, mainly for my kids.

Thanks guys for you immediate responses. You really made a difference.

[Neona]

One of my first symptoms was iron deficiency anaemia but I was 55 at the time and you are young enough for this perhaps to be period related. CA 125 can be raised for many reasons such as infections. Remember that ovarian cysts are common and ovarian cancer is rare. However you should always get checked out and , if I could go back, I would have paid for a private scan.

[Hidden]

Hi CND. We all experience different symptoms, so it's hard to be anywhere near sure. I did have a feeling like a baby kick (like a tick) but it was in my groin. It was caused by swollen lymph nodes in my groin. Press into your groin to see if you have any swollen glands - like you get in your neck when you're ill with a cold or flu. I also had a bloated belly but only occasionally. However, my ca125 turned out to be 440 - yours is barely raised. I never had back aches of stomach aches. Also, you're very young, mostly it visits women over 60. Hope it all turns out well for you. Pauline.

[Ge0rg1na]

I'm wondering whether pains could be caused by scar tissue rubbing against organs close by. Whenever I have these, they are very sharp and eye wateringly painful but can be eased by Irritable Bowel tablets.

Repeat the test in a month and if necessary start shouting for better attention or choose another gynae.

Good luck Gina xx

[CND125]

Thank you so much lovelies for your comments and for sharing your experiences and knowledge with me.

Even though I'm generally a laid-back kind of person and never worry too much, I started worrying a bit too much and over thinking about it. So I decided to see another ob-gyn for a scan just to stop worrying too much, 'better safe than sorry' I thought. And because I think having doubts is worse than knowing for sure that there is something wrong with you. We all fear the unknown. The anxiety can be so health consuming. So, I requested an endovaginal ultrasound and had my ovaries, womb, and cervix check. And yeah you guessed it right: all is fine! I'm glad I had the scan, the 90-minute wait was totally worth it. Now I don't need to think about it anymore. I did a pap smear ('cause I didn't do any for two years) and I'm redoing the test in a few weeks just to be %100 sure that the ca125 level is indeed normal.

I'd like to thank you again guys for your support- for me and everyone around. You're awesome!

Best wishes and warmest regards to you all.

CND