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Is CA125 blood test a reliable source for reoccurrance, instead of CT scans?
Asked by katita on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Is CA125 blood test a reliable source for reoccurrance, instead of CT scans?
4 Answers from the Community
nancyjac
No test is 100% accurate. Elevated CA125 could indicate cancer or it could indicate a number of other benign conditions. The same is true for CT scans. They can detect abnormalities that may be cancer but could also be a lot of other things. Plus frequent CT scan can actually cause cancer or other problems from the high radiation exposure.
So it seems reasonable to monitor your CA125 levels, and should they increase, then follow up with additional diagnostic tools.
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over 8 years agoCindy
The following website explains the CA 125 blood test: http://www.medicinenet.com/ca_125/article.htm . The CA 125 blood test is for ovarian cancer. As far as I know, it would not be an indicator for uterine cancer concurrence. I was getting the test monthly, now bi-monthly. My doctor looks for trends. If it consistently goes up, then that would be a sign that my ovarian cancer is returning. I also get CT scans every 6 months. CT scans are for more than just ovarian cancer. Both tests are indicators and not proof of cancer. Proof would involve surgery and pathology tests.
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over 8 years agoJudit
The CA125 is an indication that something is going on somewhere. It is not specific to any particular cancer. If the MDs are following the rise (and fall) of CA 125, it may be an indication that the CT scan is the next step.
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over 8 years agocarm
Hi, im an oncology nurse that specializes in gyne cancers and everyone is correct, the marker should give you pause to think but it is the scans that tell the story. The CA125 marker is a test that looks for a specific protein found on the surface of an ovary and other organs in the vacinity. Even diverticulitis or an upset stomach can cause the marker to rise. The marker is used to detect recurrence and should never be used for screening, but if the marker rises, it should make you ponder the reason. Did you eat anything that has disagreed with you? Do you have a virus? are you stressed out? these are things that can contribute to the markers escalation. Only a scan can confirm the presence of a malignancy. Good luck, Carm.
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