Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125): Results
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Results
The cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of the CA-125 protein in the blood. Normal CA-125 values may vary from lab to lab.
| Normal: | Less than 35 units per milliliter (U/mL) | Less than 35 kiloUnits per liter (kU/L) (SI units) |
|---|
High values
- Conditions other than cancer that can cause high CA-125 values include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Endometriosis.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis).
- Pancreatitis.
- The first trimester of pregnancy.
- Certain times during the menstrual cycle.
- Lupus.
- Types of cancer that can cause high CA-125 values include:
- Ovarian cancer or cancer of the fallopian tubes or endometrium. Most women with an ovarian cancer lump that can be felt in the pelvic area have CA-125 values higher than 65 U/mL.
- Cancer of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, liver, breast, colon, or lung.
- Cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), including lymphoma. These types of cancers usually occur along with the buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
| Last updated: | July 02, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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