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Original poster

Panic over blood test results ca125

29 replies

Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 18:24

I had this test Thursday along with my smear which was due. I have had some pains and needing to wee a lot and so was tested for a few things such as the ca125, blood count, kidneys etc. all were ok but the ca125 was 28. It says the normal is less than 34 but different websites say different things with one suggesting over 20 is abnormal. I have already had a scan earlier this month for pain but nothing was found. Sorry if this is a bit jumbled. What I wanted to ask has anyone had high numbers and it turned out ok? Also any doctors that can reassure me. Many thanks 🙏

OP posts:
creamsnugjumper · 04/01/2025 18:30

OP as worrying as you think that is only a reading of 35 would be the indicator for further investigation, and even at that level it's low and a precaution look.

What are you specifically worried about cancer wise is the pain in your pelvic area?

Just as an aside I'm aware of these levels as I have endometriosis and we tend to measure high for CA125 markers. (Above 35) Also peri menopause can cause higher readings, so lots of other reason for these, other than cancer.

Just to put your mind at rest the GP could ask for some further scans just the reassure you, and follow up with bloods in 3-6 months.

creamsnugjumper · 04/01/2025 18:32

Sorry meant to add needing to wee more could be IC, enlarged uterus, bowl issues, peri etc..

Lots of things to investigate before cancer.

Original poster
Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 18:52

I am in peri menopause yes. Should I ask for more scans? It’s annoying as some labs will further investigate if you have ca125 over 20 I guess it maybe depends where you live. I was having pains like cramps and needing to wee a lot but it was put down to an upset stomach or irritable badder as the scans were clear. Was also negative for any uti. However have been on forums and people with ovarian cancer have said their cancer was missed on several scans.

OP posts:
Original poster
Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 20:05

A bump

OP posts:
DogfordCats · 04/01/2025 20:25

Not a medical expert at all, but 20 sounds pretty low to be a significant red flag. CA-125 readings are notorious for fluctuating for a variety of reasons. Mine has settled between 14-20 over the last few years while cancer free, but when I had ovarian cancer it was 300+.

Pushing for a follow up to get to the bottom of your problems sounds very sensible, but please don't Google yourself into a worst case scenario. Speak to your GP about next steps.

StillweriseLH · 04/01/2025 20:29

NHS ref values are 0-35. 28 is well below 35?

treesocks23 · 04/01/2025 20:31

creamsnugjumper · 04/01/2025 18:30

OP as worrying as you think that is only a reading of 35 would be the indicator for further investigation, and even at that level it's low and a precaution look.

What are you specifically worried about cancer wise is the pain in your pelvic area?

Just as an aside I'm aware of these levels as I have endometriosis and we tend to measure high for CA125 markers. (Above 35) Also peri menopause can cause higher readings, so lots of other reason for these, other than cancer.

Just to put your mind at rest the GP could ask for some further scans just the reassure you, and follow up with bloods in 3-6 months.

Yes same here. Stage 4 endometriosis and fairly sure I had a similar level of ca125

I will check it and let you know but please don’t panic!

FOJN · 04/01/2025 20:33

I've had an elevated ca125 twice (around a 100 each time) but never had a cancer diagnosis. The result can vary for many reasons. Usually they leave it a while and repeat the blood test if there are no other significant indicators for ovarian cancer. It sounds like yours is within normal range so I don't think you need to worry.

treesocks23 · 04/01/2025 20:38

treesocks23 · 04/01/2025 20:31

Yes same here. Stage 4 endometriosis and fairly sure I had a similar level of ca125

I will check it and let you know but please don’t panic!

Show quote history

I checked - it was 25 with endometriosis diagnosis x

creamsnugjumper · 04/01/2025 20:43

Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 18:52

I am in peri menopause yes. Should I ask for more scans? It’s annoying as some labs will further investigate if you have ca125 over 20 I guess it maybe depends where you live. I was having pains like cramps and needing to wee a lot but it was put down to an upset stomach or irritable badder as the scans were clear. Was also negative for any uti. However have been on forums and people with ovarian cancer have said their cancer was missed on several scans.

Are you on HRT? Have a coil?

I'd be looking a topical oestrogen to see if that helps any symptoms, I'd also ask you to look at diet and lifestyle.

See what if anything is causes bladder irritation, could be tomato's, peppers etc causing an new allergy that can flare up IC, take a look at the IC guidelines and see if you can link any dietary changes. Oh and quit any booze!

If you are prone to hay fever and asthma then you potentially have high histamine levels, something that can cause bladder issues, so again anti histamine daily etc

Your cancer markers are low and within normal range.

If you are still worried you could ask for more scans, but maybe ovulation pains etc.

Original poster
Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 20:45

Thank you so much for your responses I guess it could be endometriosis. I also thought 20 seemed low but I have been googling all day and it can vary maybe by country or laboratory I’m not sure. J actually wish I had never had this bloody test lol

OP posts:
Original poster
Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 20:46

I don’t have any allergies that I’m aware of. I’m just worried they won’t scan me again because they will say I’m in normal ranges. Thank you

OP posts:
creamsnugjumper · 04/01/2025 20:50

You can pay for scans, if that will put your mind at rest though.

Original poster
Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 20:55

Thank you k did think about that but struggling financially and couldn’t justify it

OP posts:
SaintedC · 04/01/2025 21:00

Have they checked for fibroids? Can cause your symptoms… I had them and I think my ca125 was also in the 30s.

Vannymcvan · 04/01/2025 21:02

Why are you asking on MN and not speaking to your GP? Ask the person with the medical degree

Original poster
Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 21:26

@SaintedC yes i have one tiny 1cm fibroid x

OP posts:
RegulatorsMountUp · 04/01/2025 21:33

Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 20:55

Thank you k did think about that but struggling financially and couldn’t justify it

In that case you obviously don't believe this is life or death etc - this is your anxiety talking. If you're not satisfied with the outcome and keep experiencing pain just keep going back to your GP or perhaps a friend or relative or 0% credit card would pay for a scan which you could then repay over time. Good luck OP but it sounds like you're ok, just need to put your mind at rest.

Croney · 04/01/2025 21:47

I'm sure a dr told me once that even ovulating could push ca125 result up. I've had ups and downs, all under 35 over the last 15 or so yrs & never any problems.

StJulian2023 · 04/01/2025 21:48

Mine is always late 30s, we don't know why. I've had a few scans and they were totally clear so I don't worry about it.

Original poster
Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 21:56

@StJulian2023 thank you so much that really helped to reassure me. X

OP posts:
Original poster
Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 21:57

@StJulian2023 can k ask how long it has been so and do they just discharge you or keep monitoring?

OP posts:
StJulian2023 · 04/01/2025 22:04

Winniethewee98 · 04/01/2025 21:57

@StJulian2023 can k ask how long it has been so and do they just discharge you or keep monitoring?

Two tests a year apart showed exactly same result. I had the clear scan after the first one. I've been referred to gynae after second but Dr doubts they'll want to do anything further, she said she only referred as she was being super cautious.

DominoRules · 04/01/2025 22:12

Mine is always over 30 and has been for years - I have stage 4 endo and a biggish endometrioma which can’t be removed. I had surgery and now have a coil and am one of the fortunate ones with very mild symptoms. Before that it was very painful, heavy periods and IBS type pain plus frequent UTIs.

I hope you get some reassurance soon OP

ExplorerBee · 04/01/2025 22:18

I have PMd you op