CA-125

Organs in the female reproductive system (such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes) may make CA-125 when those organs are inflamed. This may happen in response to normal bodily functions, such as a menstrual period. However, your body may also produce high levels of CA-125 in response to ovarian cancer.

The ovaries are a pair of female reproductive glands that store ova (eggs) and make female hormones. Ovarian cancer happens when the cells in an ovary begin to grow out of control.

Your provider will review your CA-125 test results along with other information about your condition. Together, you can discuss how your results affect your diagnosis, treatment, and need for more testing.

CA-125 is most useful for people already diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy, a CA-125 level that goes back to normal usually means treatment is working, and a level that stays high or rises over time often means the cancer is still active or coming back.

CA-125 is not very accurate for finding ovarian cancer at an early stage. It is raised in only about half of women with stage I disease, but in most women with more advanced disease. A normal CA-125 does not rule out ovarian cancer.

Many non-cancer conditions can also raise CA-125. These include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, liver disease, and even your menstrual period or early pregnancy.

Because CA-125 can be high for many reasons, providers do not use it to screen people who are not at high risk for ovarian cancer.

Talk with your provider if you have questions about your results.