CA 125 blood test – For Mapping Cancer Activities and Treatment!
A CA 125 blood test aids in the analysis and measurement of the amount of cancer antigen 125 present in the bloodstream. The test is usually ordered for monitoring an on-going cancer treatment and mapping cancer activities post treatment as well. Physicians also order a CA 125 blood test for studying the early signs of ovarian cancer amid women who are exposed to a high risk of this chronic disease.
Many other known cancer types that cause higher than usual levels of CA 125 include the following:-
• Endometrial cancer • Fallopian tube cancer • Pancreatic cancer • Oesophageal cancer • Colon cancer • Breast cancer • Lung cancer • Liver cancer
Use of a CA-125 Blood Test
A CA-125 blood test helps physicians in:-
• Monitoring ovarian cancer and other known cancer types for determining their response to the treatment • Monitoring patients post cancer treatment • Analysing the chances of a patient suffering from cancer again in the coming future
Performing the Test
To carry out the test, a lab technician or nurse will extract a blood sample from one of the veins of the body. The sample is then duly stored in special chemical laden tubes and sent to the laboratory for the purpose of analysis and examination of CA-125 levels in the bloodstream. Being a simple blood test, no prior preparations are required. A patient can eat and drink normally before and after the test. The risk level involved is also negligible.
Result Interpretation
Normal CA-125 levels are usually lower than 35 units per millilitre. However, these values vary from one laboratory to another due to the use of different measuring techniques. Any value higher or lower than the defined normal range indicates the presence of a problem in the human system. Patients who have been treated for ovarian cancer in the past, witness elevated CA-125 levels in their present test reports can ascertain that their cancer might have or will reoccur in the coming future. However, it’s best to take some additional tests to ascertain if CA-125 blood test results are correct or not. Consult with your physician before drawing conclusions.
Other Known Factors
It is also important to note that many conditions apart from cancer can cause CA-125 levels to shoot. These conditions include:
• Menstruation • The first trimester of a pregnancy • Endometriosis • Liver disease • Uterine fibroids • Pelvic inflammatory disease • Pancreatitis • Lupus
Furthermore, radioactive scans, some cancer medications, or a recent abdominal surgery can also alter CA-125 levels and test results.
