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Life-limiting illness

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Original poster

CA 125 Test Results

6 replies

Cur1yWur1y · 22/01/2016 07:55

Hello, hoping I can get some advice and thoughts. I have just had the results from a CA125 test which showed up a marker of 41 when the norm is 35 and under. I've been suffering with back ache, heavy periods, bloating for some time. I've been told I need an ultra sound to check me out. Has anyone experienced something similar. I've been googling and have scared myself with what's out there !

OP posts:

lovevintagecrap · 22/01/2016 08:25

This happened to me,with the same symptoms. It turned out that I had some cysts.
I know it's really worrying, but your levels aren't too elevated ,which my specialist said was a good thing. Good luck.

Original poster

Cur1yWur1y · 22/01/2016 08:31

Thank you, that's made feel better xx

OP posts:

Musicaltheatremum · 22/01/2016 21:19

CA 125 should only be used to monitor ovarian tumours. There are lots of reasons why it might be elevated and should not be used as a screening test for ovarian tumours. The gold standard is an ultrasound scan. There are lots of reasons for false positives. At 41, I would not be concerned at all.

Thymeout · 22/01/2016 22:08

41 is v low. Some women have Ca125 levels of 8/9,000 when they're diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Some women with OvCa never have raised levels, which as pp says, is why it is a poor diagnostic tool. The latest advice is a series of 3 tests and then further investigation if rising.

I heard about a male GP who ran a Ca125 test on his own blood and it came back above the normal level.

Stay away from Google! If your ultrasound shows cysts, bear in mind that 95% of them are benign. Hope you get some answers soon.

BlackDoglet · 31/01/2016 11:38

Mine has been high 30s/low 40s for a good few years. There doesn't seem to be any reason! I've had MRI, cat scan, ultrasounds, other marker blood tests - all clear. Yet ca-125 "high".
The consultant and my GP have explained that the 'normal' range are averages. There are always people higher than average and outside the norm.
It's hard not to worry initially, I try to keep away from Dr Google!
You and I just have a higher baseline than most!

throckenholt · 04/02/2016 11:24

My mum had ovarian cancer - she had the CA125 test frequently and in her case the numbers really didn't reflect what was going on very well.

If I were you I would push for all in the investigations possible. If it isn't the worst, then getting it sorted would still be good, but if it is the worst, earlier diagnosis and treatment is best. I would want to have the worst ruled out asap.

Presumably the test was part of ongoing investigation ?

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