Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125)
A tumor marker test primarily used for ovarian cancer screening and monitoring—often combined with ultrasound for high-risk women.
Test Information
Reports In
Same day (5-6 hours)
Parameters
1
Requisites
Blood Sample
Sample Type
Blood
Measures
Serum Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) level—a protein that can be elevated in ovarian cancer and some benign conditions.
Identifies
Ovarian cancer (screening and monitoring), and can be elevated in endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, menstruation, and liver disease—so it is not used alone for diagnosis.
What is the CA 125 Test?
CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a protein that can be elevated in the blood of women with ovarian cancer. However, it's not exclusive to cancer — CA-125 can also rise in endometriosis, fibroids, pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and liver disease. It's most useful for monitoring ovarian cancer treatment response rather than screening.
Why Should You Take This Test?
Ovarian cancer is often detected late. CA 125 helps screen high-risk women (family history, BRCA) and monitor treatment response. In India, awareness is growing—this test, with pelvic ultrasound, supports early detection in at-risk women.
Who Should Get Tested?
Ovarian Cancer Patients
Monitoring treatment response and recurrence.
Pelvic Mass Evaluation
Helps assess whether a pelvic mass is likely cancerous.
Family History of Ovarian Cancer
BRCA mutation carriers may benefit from monitoring.
Endometriosis Patients
CA-125 is elevated in endometriosis (non-cancerous).
Warning Signs — When Should You Get This Test?
Common Conditions Detected
Frequently Booked Together
Tests commonly ordered alongside CA 125 for a complete picture
HE4
More specific ovarian cancer marker when combined with CA-125
Ultrasound Pelvis
Imaging to visualize ovarian masses
CEA
Another tumour marker if metastatic cancer is suspected
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