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Can Scar Tissue Cause CA Level To Rise?

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Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014
Question: I have had ovarian cancer two times. An August CT showed two spots. These spots required that I stop taking the clinical trial drug I was on. The good news--I could finally reverse an ileostomy I had from 2nd debulking. This was done laprascopically and surgeon removed the two "spots" lap. that were in the area noted on CT. After the surgery he said he did not think they were cancer and he did not see any cancer large or sand-like. The pathology was benign. CT 4 weeks after surgery showed two spots again which have grown slightly. CA 125 which was 39 before surgery went to 26 after surgery and then 29 three weeks after that. I am confused. Can scar tissue cause the ca to rise? It was 4 in April and XXXXXXX steadily until October. My previous recurrence occurred with a ca of 498...can an expressive cancer turn less expressive in terms of the Ca 125? Your thoughts? I am having repeat ca 125 next week.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not having recurrence of ovarian cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I have gone through your history and reports.

Normal CA 125 level in blood is less than 35 U/mL.

Your current CA 125 is in normal range.

A number of normal and noncancerous conditions can cause an elevated CA 125 level including scar tissue, endometriosis, liver disease and pelvic inflammatory disease.

I will advise you to do a CA 125 test after 2 weeks and if it becomes more than 35 U/ml then to go for a PET scan.

As of now i do not think you are having recurrence of ovarian cancer and you do not need to worry.

Wishing you good health

Regards

DR DE

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Monish De (30 minutes later)
Is it possible that my expressive ovarian cancer (in terms of ca 125) has become less expressive? I have friends who have cancer even when ca is normal (at least that what they tell me---). For some reason, they do not like Pet scans where I am being treated. I could go elsewhere where they do and get it done. What is your preference for PET over CT. FYI, I never had lymph node involvement.

The surgeon did not see any cancer when he was in there with the scope either--said he saw a lot of scar tissue.

Could an ileostomy be the source of a rise in the Ca? Just wondering.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
PET scan more accurate than CT scan, genes don't really change expression like that

Detailed Answer:
Hi

It is not possible for expressive ovarian cancer in terms of CA 125 to become less expressive.

If a recurrence occurs, then CA 125 will rise two or more times above the upper limit of normal within a month.

PET scan has greater accuracy around 91% in detecting ovarian cancer recurrence than CT scan.

Ileostomy could possibly be a source for a rise in the CA 125 level.

If you have no more clarifications then please rate the answer and close the thread.

Regards

DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Monish De (14 minutes later)
have you seen cases like this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry about here, yes I have seen cases like this

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Yes i have seen cases like this when CA 125 level increases due to reasons other than cancer.

For now there is nothing to worry and you should remain under regular follow up with monthly blood test for CA 125.

Regards

DR DE
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Monish De

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2229 Questions

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Can Scar Tissue Cause CA Level To Rise?

Brief Answer: Not having recurrence of ovarian cancer Detailed Answer: Hi I have gone through your history and reports. Normal CA 125 level in blood is less than 35 U/mL. Your current CA 125 is in normal range. A number of normal and noncancerous conditions can cause an elevated CA 125 level including scar tissue, endometriosis, liver disease and pelvic inflammatory disease. I will advise you to do a CA 125 test after 2 weeks and if it becomes more than 35 U/ml then to go for a PET scan. As of now i do not think you are having recurrence of ovarian cancer and you do not need to worry. Wishing you good health Regards DR DE