Cancer Antigen 125, serum level

Short Name: CA125
Sample required: Serum
Result Time: 2 HR

Carbohydrate Antigen 125 (CA 125) is a protein present on the surface of most, but not all, ovarian cancer cells. Small quantities of CA 125 are produced by normal tissues throughout the body and by some other cancers. This test is primarily used to monitor therapy during treatment of ovarian cancer, and to detect whether cancer has come back after treatment is complete. HIGH levels are associated with ovarian cancer, or non-cancerous conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease. If CA 125 levels FALL during therapy, this generally indicates that the cancer is responding to treatment.