CA-125
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)
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CA-125 is used primarily in the detection of ovarian cancer. It can also be used to determine the extent of disease and to monitor the response to treatment.[1], [2]
Discussion
- CA-125 is a tumor marker with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity for ovarian cancer.
- Although this tumor marker cannot be used to diagnose ovarian cancer, it can help support the diagnosis of ovarian cancer and determine a patient's response to therapy.
- Comparative testing can show a progressive decline in CA-125 levels for patients responding to treatment.
- This test is not as effective at screening asymptomatic women due to its lack of specificity. Therefore it is mainly used in "high risk" women.
Patient Preparation
- No fasting required.
- Factors which can cause increased levels
- First trimester of pregnancy, normal menstruation, patients with benign peritoneal diseases (e.g. cirrhosis, endometriosis)
- Factors which can cause decreased levels
- None noted
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
- Malignant Disorders:
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Peritoneal carcinomatosis
- Cancer of the non-ovarian female genital tract
- Breast Cancer
- Lymphoma
Benign disorders:
- Cirrhosis
- Peritonitis
- Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Pancreatitis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Associated Tests
- Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Alpha-fetoprotein, Human chorionic gonadotropin
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.
