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Is Ca125 Blood Test A Reliable Test For Ovarian Cancer?

Posted on Thu, 26 Jun 2014

Question: Is a ca125 blood test a reliable test for ovarian cancer? I've been having it every year since Gilda Radner died at a young age. Gene Wilder did many psa's touting the ca125 blood test. It was his belief that if his wife, Gilda, had had the test, she might have lived. I have low back pain, and was told it could be a symptom of ovarian cancer. I am 76 years old.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
CA 125 is elevated in epithelial ovarian cancers.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

CA 125 is a tumor marker which is elevated in ovarian cancers of epithelial origin.
However, ovarian cancer is diagnosed by other investigations.
These investigations include an ultrasonography of pelvic organs.
Ultrasound will detect any adnexal mass in the pelvis (i.e. any ovarian or tubo-ovarian mass).
If any mass is present, A CT scan or a PET scan will determine the extent of the pathology.

In case an ovarian carcinoma is detected, CA 125 will confirm the ovarian origin of the malignancy.
After surgical removal of the ovarian mass, CA 125 levels are measured in blood.
Persistence of elevated CA 125 levels suggests residual tumor.
On the other hand, elevation of CA 125 levels after reduction can be due to metastasis.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (5 minutes later)

Just one question: what does epithelial mean?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Epithelial -tumor arising from ovarian surface

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Ovarian tumors are divided into different groups depending on the site of origin.
Those arising from the surface are called epithelial tumors.
Other groups are germ cell tumors arising from primitive germ cells and stromal tumors arising from stroma.
CA 125 is raised only in epithelial tumors.
Germ cell tumors and stromal tumors do not lead to increase in CA 125 levels.
Epithelial ovarian tumors are common in elderly.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (25 minutes later)

not sure if I submitted this before, but what does epithelial mean?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The query has been answered.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
The question has been asked before and has been answered also.
Kindly, refer to the previous answer.

Dr Shailja P Wahal

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D