Cysts on ovary and CA-125

[Mmother]

Can I just ask for a few women’s stories and having cysts on ovary(s) which led to a CA-125 blood test.
I was taken into a&e with suspected appendicitis but after an ultrasound we then discovered a 5cm cyst on my right ovary which is obviously causing a lot of pain.
So I have my CA-125 bloods tomorrow (I really hate needles😫)
But I’m also scared or the result.
Anyone can help me calm my nerves or just tell me there results on what happened please, like;
Did the cyst go away in it’s own?
Are cysts meant to hurt?
How long will I have to wait for my blood results?

Sorry about all the questions 😬

I understand a lot of cysts do go away on their own. If they're causing you severe pain though, you could have a torsion, which is when the tissues twist around the ovary.

A CA125 test is a marker of infection - it's most likely to be the cyst of course, but it could be endometriosis or quite a few other issues eg, PID, fibroids. The cyst will generally result in a raised CA125 result.

You're in the best place and they'll get results to you as soon as they can. It's just a normal blood test btw - I assume you've got a cannula in if you're in A&E so they'll take it from that.

Good luck.

I had a questionable mass in my tummy which led my GP to order the ca125 levels without telling me, as part of a wide ranging blood test checking for many things. At my next spot, he then dropped the bomb that he’d done that AND it was slightly elevated - low 40 s I think? When I saw the gynae consult, a wonderfully straightforward woman, she said it was most likely elevated due to the massive fibroid she was expecting to find once she examined me and that she didn’t get too concerned unless the number was 100+ with no other issue. In my case, it was indeed a massive fibroid and nothing else. Hope your test etc ends in a similar way!

Hi, I have had 2 cysts removed off each ovary. Also have varicose veins on ovaries so I’m always in pain. I think it depends how much pain your in and how big the cyst is: if they want to remove it it’s not too bad afterwards it does relieve the pain. Hope your feeling better soon!

The Ca125 is just an indicator and not very reliable. I had very low ca125 but still had ovarian cancer (with no apparent symptoms). Equally, it went up when I had a cracked rib as apparently other abdominal infections/ trauma can trigger a rise. So, don't worry too much it may just be the ovarian cyst which can sort itself out on its own. It is also just a normal blood draw so not painful. Good luck.