Does high CA125 mean cancer?

[Lnsy12]

Has anyone had a high CA125 result of 99 and found it to be something other than ovarian cancer?

[Alaine1 Administrator]

Hi Lnsy12,

I’m sorry to see that this has caused you worry. The CA125 test is both useful in some clinical situations but useless in others. It can be useful in some situations especially if ovarian cancer is suspected but again other factors would need to be taken into consideration. Many of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are found in IBS or other benign gynaecological conditions. Just to add a low or normal CA125 doesn’t rule out cancer either. Now you can see the problem with this test.

There are other factors that would produce a ‘false positive’ result such:-

Pregnancy

Endometriosis

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Menstruation

Fibroids

Benign ovarian cysts

Pancreatitis

Renal failure

Liver cirrhosis

Chest infection

Some women have naturally high levels

The list isn’t the full list but now you can see

the problem. With females really they should be asked beforehand at stage they are at with their menstrual cycle.

You haven’t mentioned why you were tested but please if you are worried contact your GP or if you are under the hospital I suggest contacting the consultants secretary and explaining your worry about the results you’ve been given and is it possible for a telephone appt. most are very accommodating (I’ve done this myself a few times) and will try to get you an appt quickly. I hope this helps but if you have any other concerns please feel free to post or ask questions

[Lnsy12 in reply to Alaine1]

Aw thank you so much. I have been experiencing lower abdominal pains for quite some time now. I have, since I posted this been to see a gyno and had further bloods taken and I have an ultra sound booked. She did put me at ease and explained it could be fibroids. So just waiting to get the scan now.

Thank you for taking time to reply x

[Alaine1 Administrator in reply to Lnsy12]

That’s great news so at least your half way there and a treatment plan can be worked out.