CA 125 stands for Cancer Antigen 125, which is a protein found on the surface of many cells, including some cancerous ones. It is part of a family of proteins called mucins and is normally present in small amounts in the blood. However, higher levels can indicate certain conditions, including cancer and non-cancerous conditions.
The CA 125 test measures the level of the protein cancer antigen 125 in the blood. This protein is present in higher amounts in some cancers, particularly ovarian cancer. The test is important for several reasons:
Ovarian Cancer Detection: CA 125 levels are commonly elevated in ovarian cancer, and the test is often used to monitor patients with a history of ovarian cancer or to detect recurrence after treatment.
Monitoring Treatment: It is used to track the effectiveness of treatment, particularly chemotherapy, in patients with ovarian cancer. A decrease in CA 125 levels can indicate a positive response to treatment.
Diagnosis of Other Conditions: CA 125 levels can also be elevated in conditions that are not cancer-related, such as endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and liver disease. Therefore, the test is not used alone to diagnose ovarian cancer, but in conjunction with other clinical assessments and imaging.
Screening High-Risk Individuals: In women who have a family history of ovarian cancer or inherited genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, the CA 125 test can help assess the risk of developing ovarian cancer, although it is not used for routine screening.
Symptom Assessment: Elevated CA 125 levels can also correlate with symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pain, or pelvic discomfort, and can help guide further diagnostic testing.
References:
American Cancer Society: CA 125 Test for Ovarian Cancer (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html)
National Cancer Institute: Ovarian Cancer—Overview (https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian)
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