There are many different types of proteins in each of the cells in our body. However, some types of proteins are only found in certain specialized cells. CA – 125 protein is one of them. The CA – 125 value we see in the blood test results is a value that measures the rate of this protein in the body. Although it is found in different cells, it is considered to be directly related to this type of cancer because it is intensely found in ovarian cancer cells.
The CA – 125 value is not used for early cancer diagnosis because this value is observed if there is an already diagnosed ovarian cancer. The decrease in the rate of this protein, which is observed after the diagnosis of cancer and the start of treatment, means that the treatment is getting better. Let’s take a closer look at questions such as what is CA – 125, which is not always a sign of cancer, what does its height mean, what should its normal value be.
First of all, what is CA – 125?
The blood value of a protein called Cancer Antigen 125 in our body is measured as CA – 125. This value, which we see as CA – 125 in blood tests, is also used as the name of the protein. Due to many different reasons, CA – 125 protein may be elevated, but since it is generally found in ovarian cancer cells, its high level is considered to be directly related to ovarian cancer.
What is the CA – 125 test?
Even though the CA – 125 test is accepted as a test for measuring CA – 125 protein among the public, there is actually no such special test. In order to see how the person diagnosed with ovarian cancer responds to the treatment, a blood test is done with a blood sample taken from the arm as we know it. Blood can also be taken specifically to measure the CA – 125 value, but it is generally measured with many different values. Since this value cannot be measured in every laboratory, you may need to go to a university hospital or a similar hospital and give this test.
Not a standard measurement: Why is the CA – 125 test done?
Although the CA – 125 test is a simple test, it is not a standard measurement applied to every patient. The CA – 125 value is measured to monitor the course of treatment in patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer. If the CA – 125 value, which was previously increased due to cancer, decreases in the blood test results, it means that the treatment was successful and the cancer decreased.
What should be the normal value of CA – 125?
CA – 125 value seen between 0 – 35 in blood test results is considered normal. The value between 35 and 50 is controlled and tried to be reduced. However, with a CA value over 50 – 125, ovarian cancer suspicion begins. 80% of women with ovarian cancer have a high CA – 125 level. However, this value may remain normal in the early stage.
What is CA – 125 low, what does it mean?
In general, there is no condition called CA – 125 low. Because 0 to 35 is considered normal. The CA – 125 value, which is detected as high in a patient diagnosed with ovarian cancer, starts to decrease as he responds positively to the treatment, but this situation is still not called low.
There is no need to be afraid all the time: What is the height of CA – 125, how many are cancer suspicions?
If your CA – 125 value is between 35 and 50 in the blood test results, it is considered high, but there is no suspicion of cancer. However, if your CA – 125 value is above the reference 50, then there is a suspicion of ovarian cancer and your doctor may consider it appropriate to start a treatment.
There are many different reasons: In which diseases does the CA – 125 elevation increase?
- ovarian cancer
- breast cancer
- Endometriosis with chocolate cyst
- Pelvic infections
- myomas
- Liver diseases
- Pregnancy
- menstrual period
In general, some of the situations that cause CA – 125 height in the person are like this. As you can see, cancer is not the only cause of CA – 125 elevation. Even in the case of pregnancy or menstruation, a height of CA – 125 can be seen. However, an ordinary elevation and a cancer-induced elevation will be different from each other.
What is ovarian cancer that raises CA – 125?
Ovarian; These are the organs on both sides of the uterus that store eggs and produce female hormones. Ovarian cancer occurs as a result of the growth of malignant cells in the ovary. Ovarian cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer among women, is unfortunately difficult to diagnose early.
What causes ovarian cancer?
The primary cause of ovarian cancer is genetic factors. If you have had ovarian or breast cancer in your family before, you are more likely to develop it too. Because many types of ovarian cancer are directly linked to breast cancer genes called BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.
If one of your grandmothers, mother, sister or daughter has ovarian cancer, you have this risk too. Likewise, if you have a family history of breast cancer, colon cancer, uterine cancer or rectal cancer, this is an indication that you are at risk for ovarian cancer. Different types of cancer that occur in the body also indicate a high risk of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that generally occurs in women older than 40 years. In most cases it occurs after menopause. Even if it is not certain, a high body mass index may also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Hormone replacement therapy can also increase this risk.
Conditions such as never giving birth, having the first birth after the age of 30, starting the menstrual period before the age of 12, menopause after the age of 50, not using any birth control pills, smoking, taking long and high doses of estrogen may also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that is difficult to detect early, but if you have a family history of cancer, this suspicion should be checked regularly by your physician.
We answered questions such as what is CA – 125, which is considered to be directly related to ovarian cancer, what does its height mean, what should its normal value be. As with all health issues, remember that you should get the most accurate and specific information about your CA – 125 value from a specialist physician.
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