Women health
*Women health>>>Ovarian Cancer

How accurate is the CA-125 test for ovarian cancer?



Recently I was diagnosed with an abnormal mass in my abdomen. The doctors put me on two different meds for infection and three days later did a CA-125 test for ovarian cancer. I have all the symptoms of the cancer. Doctors want to do surgery, but don't seem to be in any hurry to remove the mass. Do you think I should be getting a second opinion?

What is the CA 125 Test?

The CA 125 test is a blood test that determines the level of an antigen in the blood which is known to be a tumor marker. It is commonly used to monitor the state of the disease in ovarian cancer patients, because 80-90% of women with ovarian cancer in its later stages will have signs of the antigen in their blood.

Why isn't the test commonly used as a screening test?

Unfortunately, the test is not as sensitive or specific as would be ideal. This means that there are "false positive" and "false negative" results associated with the test, and at unacceptably high rates to be used as a general screening test (as, for example, mammograms and Pap tests are used).
Tags
Ocular Allergies Oral Health Osteoarthritis Osteopathic Medicine Osteoporosis Ovarian Cancer Overactive Bladder Macular Degeneration Medication Safety Menopause
Related information
  • How accurate is the CA-125 test for ovarian cancer?
    What is the CA 125 Test? The CA 125 test is a blood test that determines the level of an antigen in the blood which is known to be a tumor marker. It is commonly used to monitor the state...
  • Can an ultrasound (whether internal or external) detect ovarian cancer or can only other tests do that?
    There are no reliable screening tests for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is confirmed and staged by biopsies that are taken during laparotomy surgery. Some initial exams and tests are done ...
  • Are these enough signs to get tested for ovarian cancer??
    If you feel you need to check then go do it, and not debate. Its better to be safe and look a little stupid, rather than sorry and look well dead. Any of the cancers aren't something...
  • What's the name of the lady with ovarian cancer who saved her eggs and than....?
    Not sure if this is right or not but I found this: ...
  • What gene or chromose is affected in ovarian cancer?
    In families with a genetic predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer the tumor suppressor gene BRCA is frequently mutated (BRCA1 and BRCA2). You can find a lot more info on PubMed on the ...
  • How would I know if I have ovarian cancer?
    Go to your ob/gyn and get tested. that is the only way to be sure....
  • Is there a correlation between endometriosis and ovarian cancer?
    From the ERC (www.endocenter.org), posted to their listserv at ...
  • I'm 24 and scared I have ovarian cancer?
    You already mentioned that you have cysts and fibroids so this is most likely causing your problems. PCOS can cause these symptoms. Do some reseach on the web about it. Any chance you cou...
  •    

    Health Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster
    The information on whfhhc.com is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.