What is the tumor marker CA 125
Any benign and malignant tumor produces specific antigen, which functions significantly different from other substances in the body. Ovarian cancer is the tumor marker CA 125. It is present in normal tissue of the walls of the uterus and its mucous membrane, without penetrating the bloodstream. Normal amounts of this antigen in the blood should not exceed 35 U/ml.
In inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs and endometriosis CA-125 is increased by several units, and in tumors at times. During pregnancy and during menstruation there is a physiological increase in this indicator, so the analysis may be uninformative. In other cases, the excess rate of tumor marker CA 125 will indicate the presence of cancer of the ovaries.
The process of disintegration of CA-125 occurs in the liver. In this regard, increasing the level of antigen can be observed in cirrhosis of the liver.
In some cases, doing the analysis of CA-125
CA-125 is one of the most convenient markers which can be used to detect ovarian cancer at an early stage. This test is done when suspicion of cancer pathology and to assess the effectiveness of treatment of the disease. It gives the possibility to detect metastases much earlier than their clinical manifestations.
Among the reasons contributing to cancer of the ovaries – a large number of pregnancies, no childbirth, cancer of the ovaries from relatives and endocrine pathology. Women from the risk group is recommended two times a year to donate blood for the presence of tumor marker CA 125. Skilled decoding of the analysis of CA-125 can only be done by a specialist.
Due to the low specificity of the analysis of CA 125 it is advisable to further carry out other tests for ovarian cancer – comprehensive examination makes the diagnosis as accurate as possible.
How to prepare for the analysis
Blood for research are encouraged to take on an empty stomach, you can drink only water. After the meal should take at least 9 but no more than 14 hours. Blood sampling should be performed before administration of medications or two weeks after the treatment. If abolition of drugs impossible in the direction of analysis must be specified the name and the received dose. Preferably the day before the study to eliminate fatty and fried foods, alcohol and physical activity.
