Cancer Antigen 125 - CA 125 Test

CA-125 Testing

Cancer Antigen 125 is a tumor marker. A tumor marker is a biochemical substance that is produced by some cancers. CA-125 (cancer antigen 125) is a tumor marker often used to help detect or track ovarian cancer and some types of lung cancer. The American Cancer Society has stated “90% of patients have levels above 30 u/ml when ovarian cancer is advanced." High levels of Ca 125 may also be found in women with endometriosis and in men and women with lung cancer.

Several different blood tests have been developed for early detection of ovarian cancer. The most successful appears to be the use of Ca-125 to help detect evidence of cancer in women in the earliest stages of the disease.

However, it is important to understand that a low or normal Ca-125 level does not exclude ovarian or other cancer, and as well an elevated level does not always suggest illness. To be clear, CA-125 is a marker for a tumor. It does not distinguish from a benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor. Therefore, CA-125 is often not considered a screening test for Ovarian cancer. However, some Physicians believe it is useful to establish a baseline CA-125 value, and the CA125 test can be very useful when used to follow patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and have been treated. The CA-125 test is in no way intended to replace a visit to your doctor and should be used in the proper clinical context.

To purchase a CA-125 test simply order online at LabSafe at http://www.labsafe.com/lab-tests/test/106/or visit our website at www.labsafe.com

For more information, or to speak with a member of our professional Medical Staff, call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS.