HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125)
Results
The cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of the CA-125 Reference protein Opens New Window in the blood.
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
| Normal: |
Less than 35 Reference units per milliliter (U/mL) Opens New Window |
Less than 35 Reference kiloUnits per liter (kU/L) Opens New Window (SI units) |
|---|
High values
- Conditions other than cancer that can cause
high CA-125 values include:
- Reference Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Opens New Window.
- Reference Endometriosis Opens New Window.
- Reference Uterine fibroids Opens New Window.
- Liver disease (such as Reference hepatitis Opens New Window or Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window).
- Reference Pancreatitis Opens New Window.
- The first Reference trimester Opens New Window of pregnancy.
- Certain times during the Reference menstrual cycle Opens New Window.
- Reference Lupus Opens New Window.
- Types of cancer that can cause high CA-125
values include:
- Ovarian cancer or cancer of the Reference fallopian tubes Opens New Window or Reference endometrium Opens New Window.
- Cancer of the Reference pancreas Opens New Window, stomach, Reference esophagus Opens New Window, liver, breast, colon, or lung.
- Cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen (Reference peritoneum Opens New Window), including Reference lymphoma Opens New Window. These types of cancers usually occur along with the buildup of fluid in the abdomen (Reference ascites Opens New Window).
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 6, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Thomas M. Bailey, MD - Family Medicine |
|
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
