Diagnosed and blood test shows elevated CA 125

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9lives70
9lives70 Member Posts: 127
edited February 2017 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results


Hi I think I posted this in the wrong forum before so reposting it here…

I just learned I have an elevated CA125 score of 47 and MO wants me to come in and have a CAT scan of my " stomach area" to see what's going on. He's downplaying this as to not worry me but I know it's related to cancer...

I understand CA 125 is a cancer marker so now I'm worried that I have an additional cancer (ovarian as that is what is most often related to) or the breast cancer has metastasized.


I understand It can be related to some benign conditions as well.

anyone have any experience with this?

Worried. But I do always think of the worst case scenario first...

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2017

    9lives - all of the cancer marker tests are only indications. None can be used as a diagnosis - only a trend. It doesn't look like you had a previous test to see a trend. Hoping everything will be OK.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited January 2017

    I am glad your doctor is being proactive and following on your blood results. I hope your scan is scheduled quickly and you receive good news. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Praying all is well.

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited January 2017

    9lives70...My docs at a major NYC university teaching hospital put no validity in the CA125. Hope this applies to you! Good luck and keep us posted.

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  • Freya244117
    Freya244117 Member Posts: 603
    edited January 2017

    I am stage IV and my CA 125 counts have never changed from normal range. The test is just done as part of my usual blood tests, but has proved to be meaningless in my case, and in many others. I wouldnt stress too much about it, at this stage it is just a baseline number, and any changes can be caused by too many other things.

    Best wishes.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited January 2017

    9lives, I had ovarian cancer, and my CA125 was close to 1000 just before my surgery. Here's the thing, I had a rare cancer that has a low malignant potential. In other words, surgery took care of it with no further treatment. I also had large volume ascites that was tested over and over for malignancy, but was benign. There are multiple things, including benign ovarian cysts, that can elevate your CA-125, and yours is vvery mildly elevated. I hope your scan is fine

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited January 2017

    My ONC didn't believe in them because she said there were too many false positives. I know not all oncologists agree with her. There is a lady in our support group at church whose numbers went up and her ONC said he would retest her in 2 weeks because he said there are so many reasons why that can happen. She was retested and they went up even higher. Her BC has metasized but it's confined to her hip area. She is taking chemo pills now. Another lady experienced the exact opposite result so you never know.

    Her case is not the norm. Your doctor is being cautious and that's good. Better to be safe.

    I had early stage low grade BC 5 years ago. No scans or chemo. Rads and tamoxifen. Doing fine. Just remember everyone is different.

    We understand the fear factor. We have all been dealt the bum hand. It's hard not to be pessimistic given our DX but there are so many of us who have defied the odds.

    Diane

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  • 9lives70
    9lives70 Member Posts: 127
    edited January 2017

    thank you everyone;)

    I'm hoping for the best. My CT scan is Thursday.

    Fingers crossed.


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  • ICanDoThis
    ICanDoThis Member Posts: 1,473
    edited February 2017

    My gynecologist says that a normal CA125 indicates that you are fine, which is why she orders the test. But, an elevated level is not reliable, just indicates a need for further exploration.

    I find this comforting


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  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited February 2017

    My former gyne used to order CA-125 because I am Ashkenazi Jewish, but my current one (who is Ashkenazi herself) says it’s not a reliable marker for ovarian cancer unless you already have been diagnosed and are under treatment. Besides, I don’t carry the BRCA mutations that would predispose me to it, and unlike bc, my decades on the Pill actually were protective against oc.

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  • 9lives70
    9lives70 Member Posts: 127
    edited February 2017

    thank you to everyone who gave me their thoughts. I had my scan yesterday and it was all good! No additional cancers or metastasis. Nice to hear some good news;)

    Thanks for your support. This board has been a truly wonderful resource.

    9live

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  • Freya244117
    Freya244117 Member Posts: 603
    edited February 2017

    Happy to hear you got good news.

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  • stephilosphy00
    stephilosphy00 Member Posts: 386
    edited February 2017

    So happy to hear your good news!!!!

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  • scaredashell07
    scaredashell07 Member Posts: 272
    edited February 2017

    happy to hear your good news. Wondering why so many ONC use the markersMine said they don't at Msk because they're not shown to detect well enough. Too many false positives I would rather know a false postibe and then test to see the actual results

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