Cancer Antigen (CA) 125

How to Cite This Chapter: Don-Wauchope A, Chetty VT, Ivica J, Kavsak P, Khan WI, Lafreniere M, Nouri K, Solnica B. Cancer Antigen (CA) 125. McMaster Textbook of Internal Medicine. Kraków: Medycyna Praktyczna. https://empendium.com/mcmtextbook/chapter/B31.1269.3.7.13. Accessed April 23, 2024.
Last Updated: May 9, 2022
Last Reviewed: May 9, 2022
Chapter Information

For a brief introduction and guide to abbreviations, see Laboratory Tests: General Remarks.

Analyte [material]

Cancer antigen (CA) 125 [S/P]

Reference range, target level, or decision threshold

Method dependent!!!

Interpretation of results

↑ Cancer (ovarian, endometrial, breast, lung, esophageal, gastric, liver, pancreatic), fallopian tube carcinoma, menstruation, pregnancy, fibromas, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, cirrhosis, ascites, pleural or pericardial effusions, endometriosis

Results should be interpreted in conjunction with HE4 level according to the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA); however, this is very specific and many laboratories do not measure HE4 concentration, as this is a screening test and does not aid in treatment.

We would love to hear from you

Comments, mistakes, suggestions?

We use cookies to ensure you get the best browsing experience on our website. Refer to our Cookies Information and Privacy Policy for more details.