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CA 125

Hi all.  I had a blood test yesterday in preparation for removal of a cystic mass in my pelvis.  The test was to rule out malignancy.  What does the CA 125 test for exactly and what is a favorable result?
Thanks.
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356929 tn?1246389756
I'm sure (although I'm not a Dr. ) that all the tests will come back favorably.. please try not to worry .. And do check the"Health Pages "  at the top right if you haven't already.

Let us know,
Sandy
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your reply.  I am 41 years old.  I don't know what the cyst is called, but it is apparently soft and quite large (8 cm).  After two ultrasounds, it still cannot be determined if it is ovarian in nature but the gyn thinks it is.  She is planning to remove it along with one ovary via laparoscope if the blood work, pap and third ultrasound come back favorably.  If not, she has advised that she will perform a complete hysterectomy.  The surgery is scheduled for Dec. 10/08.  Thanks for your help.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your reply.
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356929 tn?1246389756
Hi
    Wendyjams is right .. Other things besides Ovarian Cancer can cause the markers to go up especially in premenopausal women. That's why it's sort of helpful if we know your age. Even an infection can cause that CA-125 to be elevated.. The original use of the test was for ladies already dx. with ovca.. It is used to determine if the treatment is working . The problem is that you will hear from some ladies that have OVCA and their CA-125 was low... and those without cancer whose results were quite high. So for that reason, it isn't really reliable.. Now, if you're postmenoopausal, they feel a little differently and the test has more reliability.
     What sort of cyst do you have? You need to remember 2 things that are very very important. If you are premenopausal, cysts are very very common (check out the Health Pages top right of this page.. lots of cyst information) and.... cysts are 95 % benign.
When is your surgery scheduled? And are you having a laparoscope?  If so, there is a lot of information about that too.And rather humorous (which we're known for on here.. it relieves the stress a little bit) . let me know and I'll send the link... or look for a posst from "Painterchic"..Keep us posted and try not to worry.
Sandy
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Avatar universal
Hello

I had a CA125 blood test a few months ago and this is a tumour marker test.  I have a raised tumour marker because I have endometriosis.  My Consultant said this is more than likely due to the Endo but could be related to problems with my ovaries.  

As Im currently being treated for Endo, large fibroid, a cyst on my ovary my consultant has put me on a monthy injection of Zoladex for three months to reduce the Endo and therefore should reduce the Tumour marker (which i hope so as the worse case scenario is ovarian cancer)  Im not suggesting that this is going to happen to you just my experience and everyone is different.


I know this doesnt exactly help really but i think your consultant is just making sure by performing this test and is standard practice really as you have a cystic mass.

I hope everything goes ok with you.

x
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