I posted on here about a week ago worried that I possibly had symptoms of ovarian cancer. People on here were amazing and I followed their advice and arranged to have a scan and blood test. Abdominal and TV ultrasound were negative and CA125 was 17, so great news.
I know anything below CA125 of 35 is considered normal, but is 17 on the high side or is it OK? I have tried to find information on CA125 levels below 35 but can't find anything. Just wondering if anyone on here has anymore experience of CA125 levels.
I realise I am probably worrying unecessarily, but I still have my pelvic pain (and it has been worse this week).
With many thanks.
Lorraine
Written by
Pippycat89
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
A ca125 of 17 sounds absolutely fine to me. I was 9600 when I was diagnosed and 10400 a few weeks later. Perhaps you need to see your GP again about the pelvic pain but I think that you have cause for celebration about your ca125 count. Sending you lots of love xx
No please don't feel silly. I was just trying to reassure you that you are at a very normal level. I have just finished treatment for my first recurrence but I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago so believe myself to be very lucky. Sending you big hugs xxx
It's fantastic that people are willing to share their stories on here to help others. Some (perhaps most) will have been through some very difficult times.
Ovarian cancer is such a horrid thing and really is a silent killer. So pleased to hear you are doing ok and long may it continue.
The CA125 is a tool, but my Dr tells me every time it is not a reliable marker. So if your scans are good, I would hope all is well. 17 is a totally good # either way, I thinks 30's is considered the threshold. When I was first sick, stage 4, my CA125 was over 3000. I asked why they even do the test, he just says they do use it in combination with the scans. Best of luck!
I get regular CA125 done to test for OC as I carry the BRCA1 gene. Mine always come in the range of 5-8. I track the results rather than the one off. Get them to test again in a couple of months and then again a couple of months, to see if there is any gradual increase. Remember so many factors can effect the result, from hormone imbalance to being on your period. I always tear round the same time. About a week after my period x
So pleased that your tests have come back clear and CA125 sounds good. As you’re still in pain I would go back to your GP to investigate further and try and get some answers as to what is causing your pain.
I didn't know anything about CA125 levels either. It was only reading results of others on here that I realised it can be in the 1000's. I wouldn't worry about 17. Plus it can fluctuate daily.
Really pleased for you Lorraine. Hope the pelvic pain is sorted out soon, but doesn't sound like cancer so that's fantastic news! All the best, Woody x
My CA 125 was always normal. It is now 4 and has remained at 4 since my cancer surgery. My first normal (but high for me) reading was 10, I had an 11 cm tumor and my reading never went above 20 so I think it’s more import that your scans were clear.
Hi Lorraine. So happy all your tests are negative. When I was first diagnosed my CA was 3500. I have surgery and then 6 rounds of chemo. My CA was 11. I asked the dr why I can’t achieve single digits and he said that that may just be my normal base. After 3 yrs i recurred and my ca was 22. Catscan revealed a tiny nodule. Chemo took care of that. IM FINE SO FAR.
I Had been having severe pelvic pain 6 mos ago. Another catscan and nothing. Inflammation can cause that kind of pain. Naturally, in my case I always assume I’m recurring.
You are clear so you don’t have to worry about ovarian cancer. Hate that word.
The only thing I can suggest is to go to a nutritionist. My nutritionist put me on an anti inflammatory detox. I feel great.
My ca most recently dropped from 34 to 17.
Go out and live your life. Take care of the pain in your pelvi area. That can be remedied. Glad you found this group. I am sane because of the many supportive and wonderful women here.
We are always here if you have any concerns and want to continue sharing good news. We love to hear good news.
Thank you. You are right - there are many supportive and helpful women (and men) on here and I am glad I found the site too.
I doubt responders fully realise just how much they have helped others. Well done to you all in finding some positivity by reaching out to others. All makes for a better world and that is sorely needed right now.
I had a CA125 blood test after a substantial suspicious looking mass was found on an abdominal ultrasound. My CA125 was 31, so like you I was trying to research if this was ok (given it's at the high end of 1-35 'normal' range). Two useful facts I unearthed: 1) other things can raise it into the hundreds rather than just cancer, like endometriosis sufferers seem to get funny numbers, and my test was just before my period came. 2) It's not considered a particularly useful indicator if you're younger, and some doctors wouldn't advocate bothering for younger women (not sure how old you are). You also might find it comforting to hear that my eventual diagnosis was not a cancer one.
It must be frustrating to have not been given an explanation for your pelvic pain, given your test results so far have been good news, but do make sure they investigate further. I hope that it will be identified as something easily resolved. Best of luck!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
ca125 result variations
High CA125 result. How long before diagnosis?
Just had ca125 blood test and result of 145 - need info
Raised ca125 result. 
