How does the CA 125 blood test work to detect ovarian cancer?
Cancer antigen 125 is a substance that is produced in the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and the lining the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities (the pleura and the peritoneum). The CA 125 test measures a sugar protein that may be released when cells are inflamed or damaged. CA 125 levels are usually measured by a blood test, but can also be detected in fluid from the abdominal and chest cavities. Levels under 35 kU/ml are considered normal. Ovarian cancer cells may produce an excess of these protein molecules, as may some other cancers, including cancer of the fallopian tube or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). Occasionally an elevated CA 125 test indicates other benign activity not associated with cancer, such as menstruation, pregnancy, or endometriosis. However, in early stage ovarian cancer, this molecule may not necessarily be released. Thus, the test is not an effective screening test. The CA 125 test may be used diagnostically in combination with
Cancer antigen 125 is a substance that is produced in the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and the lining the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities (the pleura and the peritoneum). The CA 125 test measures a sugar protein that may be released when cells are inflamed or damaged. CA 125 levels are usually measured by a blood test, but can also be detected in fluid from the abdominal and chest cavities. Levels under 35 kU/ml are considered normal. Ovarian cancer cells may produce an excess of these protein molecules, as may some other cancers, including cancer of the fallopian tube or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). Occasionally an elevated CA 125 test indicates other benign activity not associated with cancer, such as menstruation, pregnancy, or endometriosis. However, in early stage ovarian cancer, this molecule may not necessarily be released. Thus, the test is not an effective screening test. The CA 125 test may be used diagnostically in combination with
