CA125 Test — Ovarian Cancer Marker

Introduction

CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a glycoprotein antigen, widely used as a tumor marker for ovarian cancer. Elevated CA125 is often associated with epithelial ovarian cancer, and it is also applied in treatment monitoring and recurrence follow-up.

Note that high CA125 does not always mean ovarian cancer; benign conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammation, or menstruation can also increase levels.

Why Take a CA125 Test?

• Risk assessment: Supports evaluation when ovarian abnormalities are suspected.
• Treatment monitoring: Tracks CA125 changes during therapy to assess response.
• Recurrence surveillance: Helps detect possible relapse after ovarian cancer treatment.

Method & Workflow

A venous blood sample is collected to measure serum CA125. Interpretation should be done together with imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and clinical findings.

Factors & Notes

• Benign conditions (endometriosis, ovarian cysts, menstruation) can also elevate CA125.
• In premenopausal women, CA125 has limited specificity; additional tests are often required.
• Serial trends are more valuable than a single measurement.

Who Should Consider Testing?

• Patients clinically suspected of ovarian cancer
• Confirmed ovarian cancer patients under treatment monitoring
• Patients after surgery or therapy requiring recurrence follow-up
• Women undergoing a tumor marker panel assessment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)