CA125 Ovarian Cancer Screening Test

[Solora]

I am 44 years of age and recently had some routine blood work including the CA125. I had read it is used to screen for ovarian cancer. I have NO symptoms of ovarian cancer and have none in my family. My overall health is excellent and my menses are normal. I have never had cancer, but simply wanted the test. The results came back 114 High with the lab report indicating it should be <35 units/ML. My doctor then ordered a pelvic and abdominal MRI and pelvic ultrasound. The results came back all normal, except for a "a rounded area of increased T2 and decreased T1 signal consistent with cystic content of the right ovary measuring up to approximately 2cm in transverse diameter... probable dominant follicular cyst. I am to have a follow-up ultrasound! Why were the results so high.....could it be a false positive for Ovarian cancer, but be indicating the presence of another cancer? Should I have more tests. I am confused! Thank you for your advice.

[Solora]

Thank you for your quick response.  I appreciated your explanation, it helps me be more positive!  It is also good to know that the choices being made are the correct ones.

[MickeyVicki]

The CA-125 test cannot be reliably used to screen for ovarian cancer. The scores are not always indicative of whether the condition is benign or malignant.  On this forum, there are women posting who had high test results but did not have cancer, while other women posting here had low test results yet were found to have cancer.  Many, many other conditions can affect the test results.  For example, an infection can influence the results.  In your case, it is possible that the inflammation caused by the cyst has raised the test result value.  Anyway, you are doing exactly what you should be doing at this time - having proper medical care with follow-up testing to monitor your condition.