CA 125: what is it, what is it for and how to interpret the result

El CA 125 is a protein that is produced in the uterus, in the uterus. fallopian tubes and in the abdominal wall and the pecho, being a very used indicator to verify the risk that the person develops some diseases such as ovarian cancer, endometriosis or cysts in the ovaries. This exam is carried out from a blood sample from which the concentration of the CA 125 protein is measured, which is normally high in the presence of ovarian cancer, being considered a marker for this type of cancer.

Although the concentration of CA 125 is above 35 U/mL in certain situations, it does not indicate that it is the only diagnostic tool, and other tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. In spite of this, this test can be used to evaluate the risk of developing uterine or ovarian cancer, as many women with high CA-125 values ​​generally have a greater tendency to suffer from these types of cancer. See the main symptoms of endometriosis and ovarian cancer.

what is it for

The CA 125 exam is requested by the doctor mainly for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer and monitoring the development and treatment response. In addition, this exam may be requested to identify endometriosis, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cirrhosis and the presence of cysts in the ovary in conjunction with other exams, since the concentration of this protein in the blood is also elevated in these situations.

How is the exam performed?

The CA-125 exam is normally carried out from a small sample of blood that is extracted with a jar, as in any blood analysis, which is sent to the laboratory for analysis. This examination can also be carried out through the analysis of the liquid of the pecho or of the abdominal cavity.

To carry out the exam it is not necessary a day, and the result is usually obtained after 1 day depending on the laboratory where it is carried out.

What does the altered result indicate?

The normal value of CA 125 in bleeding is up to 35 U/mL, so above values ​​are considered altered and most times it is an indicator of ovarian cancer or endometriosis. In these cases, the doctor must request other tests to reach the final diagnosis.

Furthermore, when the exam is used to evaluate the cancer treatment, the decrease in values ​​usually indicates that the treatment is being effective. On the other hand, when there is an increase in the concentration of protein in the blood, it could mean that the treatment is not being effective, and it is necessary to change the therapeutic approach, or even it could indicate that there is a metastasis.

Know other exams that help to identify different types of cancer.