If the development of an oncological process in the body is suspected, the patient is assigned an analysis for oncomarkers. These are special proteins that are produced during malignancy. Currently, a large number of specific markers have been identified, one of which is CA-125. Its increase can indicate both the presence of ovarian or uterine cancer in women, and the development of less dangerous diseases in the body. What to do if the CA-125 tumor marker is elevated, and what diseases this may indicate, will be discussed below.
Definition
The CA-125 tumor marker is a highly specific protein found on the surface of ovarian cancer.
It is important to know that some of this protein is found in the endometrium, in the serous and mucinous fluids of the uterus. Also, a certain amount of this marker is produced by the epithelium of the gallbladder, testicles, stomach, bronchi, and pancreas. While maintaining biological barriers, CA-125 should not enter the bloodstream.
Don't worry right away when taking the testfor tumor markers. If CA-125 is elevated, a series of additional tests should be taken to clarify the cause.
Norms
CA-125 tumor marker is always present in the body, so its concentration in the blood is of great diagnostic value. The following values are considered normal indicators that indicate the absence of dangerous diseases:
- 10 to 15 U/ml - patient is he althy.
- From 16 to 35 U / ml - a small inflammatory process may develop in the woman's body.
- More than 30 U/ml - it is recommended to continue diagnostic measures to determine the cause of this result.
- Index up to 60 U/ml. Such an increase in the CA-125 tumor marker in ovarian cysts is quite common. If a procedure for removing the formation is required, after a while it is necessary to retake this analysis.
- CA-125 tumor marker increased to 100 U/ml or more. This indicator indicates the presence of cancer.
Diagnosis
Venous blood is used to detect this specific marker in the blood. If the ovarian tumor marker CA-125 is elevated, then the attending physician prescribes additional diagnostic measures to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe effective therapy. For this, a comprehensive examination is used, including a number of laboratory and instrumental studies. Among them, the most common:
- General analysis of urine and blood. It will reveal the presence of an inflammatory process,flowing in the body.
- Biochemical blood test.
- Computed tomography.
- MRI.
- Ultrasound diagnostics. It is the most informative diagnostic measure in situations in which the CA-125 tumor marker is elevated.
- Biopsy of the uterus or ovaries.
- Laparoscopy. This method is not used as often as the above procedures. It can also be used in treatment. It is performed using a special device - a laparoscope. It has a minimal risk of developing dangerous complications. If necessary, during the implementation of diagnostic measures using this method, it is possible to carry out surgical intervention.
Rules for testing for tumor markers
To obtain the most accurate test result, a number of specific rules must be followed before blood sampling. These include the following recommendations:
- About 10-12 hours before the procedure, do not eat.
- Do not drink for 6-8 hours before blood sampling. The exception is a small amount of pure water without additives.
- Give up smoking and alcohol within 24 hours.
- For about 4 days, do not perform strong physical exertion and do not perform medical manipulations (for example, ultrasound diagnostics or massage).
- Some time before the analysis, stop eating s alty, fatty, flour and smoked foods.
- Some categories of drugs can distort the result of the study, so you should stop taking them for a while. In that case,when this is not possible, the technician should be notified prior to blood sampling.
- Immediately before the procedure, try to calm down and not be nervous.
- If you need to donate blood during your period, you need to specify the day of the cycle.
Indications for testing
A blood test for the detection of the CA-125 tumor marker is not standard. The doctor prescribes it for certain complaints of the patient. As a rule, this is the first test prescribed for suspected ovarian cancer. There are the most common symptoms that are an indication for the procedure:
- Relatively strong weight loss with no objective reasons for this.
- Increase in body temperature for several months.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Pain in the lower back and lower abdomen.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- The appearance of pain when urinating, frequent urges, which may be false.
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin area.
- Stool and digestion disorders.
- Ascites.
- Increase in ESR in the general blood test.
- Appearance of smearing discharge not related to menstruation.
- May be disturbed by mucous discharge, including streaks of blood.
- Weakness, depression, mood swings. The woman feels constantly tired.
The above signs can be very easily confused with manifestations of various diseases of the femaleurinary system. This greatly complicates the diagnosis, and therefore dangerous pathologies progress, which can lead to advanced oncological stages, in which the likelihood of positive treatment is significantly reduced.
Reason for increase
With an increase in the values of the marker, one can speak of both the development of the oncological process and diseases of a non-tumor nature. If the tumor marker CA-125 is elevated, the reasons may be as follows:
- Cancer of the female reproductive system (especially the ovaries).
- Oncological tumors in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Breast cancer.
- Cancer of the lungs.
- Liver cancer.
Non-oncological reasons for the increase in the marker
But not always diagnosing its presence in the blood indicates a malignant formation. Some increase in the CA-125 tumor marker occurs in the following diseases:
- Benign tumors and neoplasms.
- Tumours of mixed type.
- Inflammatory processes in the appendages.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Endometriosis.
- Pancreatitis.
- Complicated pelvic infections.
- Pleurisy.
- Peritonitis.
- Mammary neoplasms.
- Ovarian cysts. In this case, there may be a situation in which the CA-125 tumor marker is increased by 2 times.
- Autoimmune diseases.
Non-pathological causes of high marker
It is important to note that a slight increase in the CA-125 tumor marker may occur under the following conditions:
- After the abortion.
- During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. This condition requires careful medical supervision.
- Also, the tumor marker CA-125 can also be elevated during menstruation.
Tumor marker for ovarian cancer
In most cases, an analysis for the detection of the CA-125 marker in the blood is prescribed if a malignant ovarian tumor is suspected. Its level will depend on the stage of the disease. At the early stages of the development of the pathological process, a significant increase in a specific protein is observed in 50% of cases, at later stages - in almost all patients.
Ovarian cancer is dangerous because it can be asymptomatic for some time. And since a regular gynecological examination is not able to detect the disease, it can quickly move into a more dangerous stage. When symptoms of a malignant process appear, the doctor prescribes an analysis to detect the CA-125 tumor marker. Upon receipt of its elevated values, it is necessary to conduct additional diagnostics to clarify the diagnosis. Repeated testing is recommended to determine the dynamics of the marker increase. If there is an increase in its values, we can talk about the progression of the tumor process or the development of relapse. As a result of the course of treatment, the analysis should reveal a decrease in the concentration of CA-125 in the blood.
Very rare situations in whichtumor marker is within the normal range in the presence of ovarian cancer. This can occur when cancerous cells do not produce enough of the marker for diagnostic purposes. Therefore, if an oncological process is suspected, a series of tests must be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
CA-125 tumor marker for cysts
An ovarian cyst is a neoplasm of a benign nature that can negatively affect the functioning of the organ and is prone to malignancy.
If a woman is suspected of having an ovarian cyst, the doctor prescribes diagnostic measures that will determine the type of formation and the degree of damage to the organ. Since a cyst, under the influence of provoking factors and in the absence of treatment, can degenerate into a malignant tumor, it is recommended to take an analysis for the level of the CA–125 tumor marker.
With an ovarian cyst, the analysis indicators can increase significantly. To clarify the diagnosis and exclude the development of cancer, it is necessary to undergo a number of additional diagnostic measures, as a result of which treatment is prescribed.
Conclusion
An increase in the CA-125 tumor marker can cause a large number of factors. Do not immediately panic when receiving such a result. It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will conduct an examination and prescribe additional diagnostic measures. Only after that a diagnosis is made and an effective therapy in each case is prescribed. Analysis for the CA-125 tumor marker is also used to control the quality of treatment. With a decreaseindicators can be judged on the successful outcome of the treatment.
It is important to listen to your body and if you experience unpleasant symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis of diseases and timely treatment can reduce the risk of developing dangerous complications to a minimum. It is recommended not to neglect planned visits to the doctor, especially during pregnancy and menopause, when a certain restructuring of the body occurs, as a result of which pathological conditions can develop that are important to diagnose at an early stage of their development.
