Blood can be used to test the CA125 value, but the doctor reminds that imaging examinations (vaginal ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging) must be added to determine whether there are lesions such as ovarian cancer.

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[Health Channel/Comprehensive Report] 38-year-old Ms. Liao heard from relatives and friends that CA125 is a tumor screening related to gynecology, so she will add a blood test for CA125 to every routine health checkup.

A few days ago, she received an inspection report showing that CA125 was abnormally elevated to 38 U/ml (the standard value concentration was less than 35 U/ml), which made her very worried that she had ovarian cancer.

CA125 value will be affected by menstrual period

The doctor who explained the report to her, heard her doubts, and reconfirmed the results of the pelvic cavity imaging examination with her. No abnormalities were found. She further asked her about her recent physical conditions and learned that Ms. Liao was in her menstrual period. This is no wonder. CA125 index increased.

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Combined with imaging examination to confirm the diagnosis

Shen Yanjun, Chief Physician of Beitou Health Management Hospital, pointed out that in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, it is recommended to use CA125 as an auxiliary reference test, and imaging examinations (vaginal ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging) must be added to be able to better A complete inspection of the ovaries and pelvic cavity to determine whether there is cancer.

CA125 is a glycoprotein

Shen Yanjun explained that CA125 (cancer antigen 125) is a glycoprotein secreted on the mucosal wall of the peritoneal cavity. When the peritoneal lining is stimulated, the value of CA125 will increase.

For example: women are on their menstrual period, pelvic inflammation, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis (such as: chocolate cysts), all of which may increase CA125, and gastroenteritis or diarrhea may also affect CA125 values.

In addition, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer may also affect the value of CA125.

Therefore, an elevated CA125 value cannot uniquely equate to ovarian cancer, and further evaluation of related organs and tissues is necessary.

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer are not obvious, regular check-up is essential

Shen Yanjun pointed out that ovarian cancer is also known as the "quiet killer". Because it often has no obvious symptoms in the early stage and is located deep in the pelvic cavity, it is difficult to detect when a lesion occurs. Even if there are symptoms, they are often mistaken for symptoms related to gastrointestinal diseases. Checking is important.

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  • endometriosis

  • ultrasound

  • draw blood

  • ovarian cancer

  • CA125

  • Glycoprotein

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