● Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is the only tumor marker recommended for clinical use in

the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer.

● The CA-125 test looks for certain proteins in blood. Ovarian cancer can be the reason
for these proteins, but other conditions can cause them to be in blood as well.

● This test is also called:

1)CA-125 tumor marker test

2)Cancer antigen 125 test

● CA-125 levels in the body are measured by units per millimeter (U/mL). A CA-125
normal range falls between 0 and 35 U/mL. Levels over 35 U/mL may indicate the
presence of cancer or other conditions

● Uses:
1)To detect response to treatment
2)To detect recurrence
3)To make diagnosis of ovarian cancer

● A number of conditions that aren't cancerous can cause an elevated CA 125 level,
including:

1)Endometriosis

2)Liver disease

3) Menstruation

4)Pelvic inflammatory disease

5)Pregnancy

6)Uterine fibroids

● Malignant conditions associated with elevated CA 125 levels include the following:

1)Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (including fallopian tube and primary serous peritoneal
carcinoma): 75%-85%

2)Endometrial carcinoma: 25%-48% of cases

3)Endocervical adenocarcinoma: 83% of cases

4)Pancreatic carcinoma: 59% of cases

5)Breast carcinoma: 12%-40% of cases

6)Lymphoma: 35% of cases [6]

7)Lung carcinoma: 32% of cases

8)Colorectal carcinoma: 20% of cases