CA – 125

The CA 125 test measures the concentration of the protein CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) in the bloodstream. It is primarily employed to monitor specific cancers throughout and after treatment, with a particular focus on ovarian cancer. While the test can be utilized to detect early signs of ovarian cancer in individuals with a high risk of the disease, it is not considered accurate enough for general ovarian cancer screening. This limitation stems from the fact that various non-cancerous conditions, such as menstruation and uterine fibroids, can elevate CA 125 levels. Moreover, certain cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancers, may also contribute to an increased CA 125 level. Consequently, the interpretation of CA 125 results requires a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s medical history and other diagnostic factors to distinguish between benign and malignant conditions accurately.