Worried About CA-125 results

[aswest1021]

I am a healthy non-smoking and non-drinking 43 year old woman with no symptoms.  I went in for my yearly physical about six months ago.  I discussed my family history with my doctor.  My mom died of breast cancer (treatment) at age 68. My dad had both bladder and prostate cancer in his mid to late 70's (heavy smoker), but died of a stroke at age 82.  One of my two brothers died at age 48 of stomach cancer.  He worked for many years in an aluminum  factory and was a very heavy smoker.  My other brother is 56 and in great health. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with and died of ovarian cancer at age 87.

Anyhow, based on the information I shared about my mother and paternal grandmother, my physician thought it would be wise to run the CA-125 test on me.  To my dismay, it came back elevated at 54. I was on my period at the time.  So, my doctor ordered me to undergo a CT scan and an ultrasound.  The CT scan showed a 17mm mass on my right ovary.  However, when the ultrasound was done, the only things detected were bilateral kidney stones.  Apparently, the mass went away on it's own.  My doctor said it was a functional cyst, of which I've had before.        

Well, when my OB/GYN reviewed my results, he said it would be wise to repeat the CA-125 every 6 months.  I went in this week, again on my period, and it came back at 66.  So, my doctor wants me to undergo another ultrasound.  He said that some people just have elevated levels, but that we should try and find the "source".  I really don't know what to make of this.  I told him that I'd read that the CA-125 is not a reliable screening tool for ovarian cancer.  He said, in my case, it's no longer a screening tool because it's already come back elevated.  Can anyone relate to this?

[aswest1021]

Thanks, Ronni!  I wanted to let you all know that I heard from one of my dad's sisters this evening.  My paternal grandmother did not die from ovarian cancer at age 87 as I thought.  She, in fact, died from stomach cancer which MIGHT have originated in her ovaries or somewhere else.  That is a bit of a load off my shoulders, though it does concern me that my brother died from stomach cancer, as well.  Makes me wonder about a possible hereditary connection.

[vegas2cr]

The ca 125 is not an accurate test especially for women who are premenopasual ..Menstruation, endometriosis, a chest cold any number of things could elevate it...

In my case they ran the ca 125 after my exploratory surgery that showed I had ovarian cancer and it is used as a measuring tool for how the chemo affected me and then how my second surgery went...It should not be used  alone as a diagnostic...It is now used for me to see whether a reoccurence is happening but even then the numbers don't tell the whole story...

You need to find out why yours is elevated... it could be endo or benign cysts any amount of different things.. You could start with a transvaginal ultrasound....

Good lUck.. Ronni

[aswest1021]

Here goes another one!  I have three aunts on my father's side of the family.  Shouldn't they be tested with the CA-125?  Also, what benign conditions can cause an elevated result?  Does menstruation have any effect on the result?

I appreicate it!

[aswest1021]

See, I told you I'd have more questions.  Have any of you had an elevated CA-125 with a benign condition as the diagnosis?  Could menstuation have an effect on the test results?  What about cysts on the ovaries or endometriosis, both of which I have a history of?  

Thanks again!

[aswest1021]

Just have another question...probably the first of many.  Did any of your doctors, like mine, run the CA-125 on you without presenting any symptoms?  I'm still a bit curious as to why my doctor chose to do so with me.  My mom did have breast cancer, but she is the only female in her family (out of two sisters and a mom) who had it.  Also, my paternal grandmother was in her late 80's when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Couldn't that just be related to old age?

I would just like to know exactly what prompted your doctors to have you undergo the CA-125 test.  Did you have any specific symptoms that caused alarm?

Thanks!  

[withe]

You got yourself a great doctor, be sure to tell her about your insurance ending there are resources she might know about in your area. Hope you see some sunshine soon. Withe

[aswest1021]

Thank you all so much for your support during this tough time.  To add to the situation, my husband was laid off from his job almost three months ago and our insurance ends at the end of this month.  When it rains, it pours!  I will be sure to post again when I know more.

[Shari4444]

Yes, as the ladies, before me, and your doctor have recommended, if I were you, I would continue with the re-peat TVUS. Your doctor is taking your results very seriously and treating with utmost appropiateness. Congratulations, on finding a great doctor!!!! I will keep you in my thoughts, and ALWAYS feel free to post with any fears and/or concerns. Let us, all, know how you are doing. We care!!!!

Hugs,
Shari

[butterflytc]

have the ultrasound, your doctor is right to want to find out the source. We are here for you when you find out what is going on. I am one of the people here with stage 3b/c but a perfectly normal CA125. I was very lucky to have a doctor that listened to me, even with the normal levels. Keep us posted, and I hope your test comes out well.
butterflytc

[Teresa222]

I have come to the conclusion (after much reading) that the CA125 test is indeed, very valuable in determining Stage II cancers on up. It is the earlier stages that it is not very effective, and on certain cell type cancers.  If I had had an elevated CA125 twice, I would want to find out immediately what is going on. I also think some doctors are giving out erroneous information on the CA125.  My GYN pooh poohed it when I asked for it six months before I was diagnosed at Stage II.  She said it is "not effective on all patients." Well guess what? It IS on me!  Only after they did the ultrasound showing a tumor the size of a small melon did they do the CA125 test on me.  Boo to the doctors who dismiss it from the get-go!
Teresa

[marie3B]

I would be happy that your doctor is taking you seriously.  You are probably fine, but he wants to be sure.  I wish I had had a doctor like him.  Maybe my cancer would have been found sooner. Just go through with the repeat ultra-sound and let him follow you closely. I wish you the best. Marie