CA 125 Ovarian Cancer Antigen Test – Accurate Tumor Marker Detection

Description

CA 125 Ovarian Cancer Antigen Test – Accurate Tumor Marker Detection for Women’s Health

The CA 125 Test from Lab Tests Dubai is a critical blood-based tumor marker assay used to support the detection, monitoring, and management of ovarian cancer—the most lethal gynecological malignancydue to its silent progression.

CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a glycoprotein produced by cells in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneal lining. While elevated in many women with epithelial ovarian cancer, it can also rise in benign gynecological conditions, making it essential for contextual interpretation.

Using high-sensitivity chemiluminescence technology, this serum-based test delivers accurate results within just 1 day, helping gynecologists and oncologists:

• Monitor treatment response in ovarian cancer
• Detect early signs of recurrence after surgery or chemotherapy
• Evaluate persistent pelvic symptoms (bloating, pain)
• Assess high-risk patients (e.g., BRCA carriers)

Available with home blood collection, Lab Tests Dubai ensures fast, accurate, and stress-free testing—so you can take control of your reproductive health with confidence.

Why You Need This Test

If you’re a woman experiencing persistent bloating or pelvic pain, this test could reveal a life-threatening condition before it’s too late.

You need the CA 125 Test if:

• You have persistent abdominal bloating, pressure, or swelling
• You’re experiencing pelvic pain or frequent urination
• You have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer (especially BRCA1/BRCA2)
• You’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, fibroids, or PID
• You’re undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer and need response monitoring
• You’re in remission and require surveillance for recurrence

While not a screening tool for all women, CA 125 is invaluable for high-risk individuals and symptomatic patients—with rising levels often signaling disease progression or relapse.

This test is not a standalone diagnosis—but a powerful ally in early detection and cancer care.

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider the CA 125 Test if you or a loved one are experiencing:

✅ For Ovarian Cancer (The “Silent Killer”):

• Bloating that doesn’t go away
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Feeling full quickly (early satiety)
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Changes in bowel habits

✅ For Benign Gynecological Conditions:

• Chronic pelvic pain (endometriosis)
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (fibroids)
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

✅ For High-Risk Women:

• BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers
• Family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
• Personal history of hormone-related cancers

These symptoms may be dismissed as “normal” — but persistent bloating is not normal after menopause.

Natural Production: How CA 125 Reflects Ovarian & Pelvic Health

CA 125 is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein produced by:

• Coelomic epithelium (origin of ovarian surface cells)
• Fallopian tube epithelium
• Peritoneal and pleural linings

In healthy women, CA 125 levels are low:

• <35 U/mL is generally considered normal

Elevated levels occur in:

• Ovarian cancer (especially serous adenocarcinoma) – 80–90% of cases
• Endometriosis – up to 40% of patients
• Uterine fibroids, PID, pregnancy, menstruation
• Liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, or peritonitis

Key Insight:

• A single high CA 125 does not mean cancer
• Serial monitoring (rising trend) is more telling than one value
• Always interpret with ultrasound (TVUS), MRI, and clinical findings

What Happens If Untreated or Unmonitored? Risks of Ignoring CA 125 Elevation

Ignoring persistent CA 125 elevation can lead to:

⚠️ Delayed Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis – often asymptomatic until Stage III/IV
⚠️ Missed Recurrence – tumor grows undetected after treatment
⚠️ Metastasis – spread to peritoneum, liver, or lymph nodes
⚠️ Reduced Survival Rates – 5-year survival drops from 90% (Stage I) to <30% (Stage III+)

The good news? With regular monitoring, recurrence can be caught early, allowing for:

• Timely chemotherapy
• Secondary debulking surgery
• Improved quality of life

This test is a lifeline for survivors and high-risk women.

How to Prepare for the Test

To ensure accurate results:

✅ No fasting required
✅ Continue your regular medications—but inform your doctor
✅ Avoid testing during menstruation – CA 125 can rise temporarily
✅ Inform your doctor if you have:

• Endometriosis or fibroids
• Pregnancy or recent surgery
• Liver or inflammatory conditions

A serum blood sample is collected via standard draw—available at our labs or via home collection.

Test Overview: High-Sensitivity Chemiluminescence Method

Interpretation:

• <35 U/mL → Normal (but not definitive)
• >35 U/mL → Elevated – warrants further investigation
• >100 U/mL → High likelihood of malignancy (especially with symptoms)
• Rising levels over time → Suggests progression or recurrence
• Falling levels → Indicates positive response to treatment

Results are reported with clinical notes for your gynecologist or oncologist.

FAQs About the CA 125 Test

Q: Is CA 125 a screening test for all women?
A: No. Not recommended for general screening—only for symptomatic or high-risk women.

Q: Can endometriosis or fibroids raise CA 125?
A: Yes. Benign conditions can cause elevation—always correlate with ultrasound and clinical findings.

Q: Can I have ovarian cancer with normal CA 125?
A: Yes. 10–20% of ovarian cancers (e.g., mucinous, germ cell) do not elevate CA 125.

Q: Can I book without a doctor’s referral?
A: Yes! Lab Tests Dubai allows direct online booking—ideal for proactive women’s health screening.

Q: How will I get results?
A: A secure digital report is emailed within 24 hours, including CA 125 level and clinical interpretation.

Q: Is this test covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Tumor marker testing is medically necessary—covered by all UAE insurers for high-risk or symptomatic patients.

If you’re battling bloating, pelvic pain, or at high risk for ovarian cancer, the CA 125 Test gives you the answers you need in just 1 day.