CA-125 Blood Test: A Vital Tool in Ovarian Cancer Management
A CA-125 blood test is a medical procedure that measures the levels of a specific protein, cancer antigen 125, in the blood. This test is primarily used to monitor ovarian cancer and check for recurrence after treatment. It involves taking a small blood sample from a vein in the arm.
CA-125 levels above 35 units per milliliter are considered elevated. While elevated levels may indicate the presence of ovarian cancer, they can also be caused by other health conditions or treatments. Therefore, the test is not routinely conducted for women with an average risk of ovarian cancer. Instead, it's used in women identified with an elevated risk, often as part of an intensive early detection program including annual MRI, sonography, and sometimes mammography examinations.
The test itself carries risks such as difficulty obtaining a blood sample, excessive bleeding, fainting, and infection at the puncture site. Despite these risks, the CA-125 blood test is a valuable tool for monitoring ovarian cancer during and after treatment.
In summary, a CA-125 blood test is a useful tool for managing and monitoring ovarian cancer. It measures the levels of a specific protein found in ovarian cancer cells. However, it's not accurate enough for general screening and is primarily used in high-risk women as part of an intensive detection program. Like any medical test, it carries some risks, but these are generally minimal.
