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CA125 Normal but ultrasound picked up cyst/mass in left ovary

EmmaB86
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Hi all,

I'm hoping for some guidance and reassurance if possible.

I've been dealing with PCOS symptoms for the last two years and, during the Summer, received a referral to Ultrasound and have been awaiting a date in the meantime.

I had to go back to my GP 2 weeks ago however, as I was experiencing feelings of heaviness in my pelvis coupled with discomfort if the area was pressed on and my doctor organised a round of bloods including the CA125. As chance would have it, I finally received a date for my ultrasound in the interim and this was carried out yesterday. My feelings if heaviness and discomfort in my pelvis have also now gone.

The doctors have rung me today to advise that ultrasound did pick up on an internal cyst/mass inside my left ovary which requires further investigation but also confirmed that my CA125 was well within the normal range but she is processing an urgent referral to Gynaecology to he absolutely certain. 

Is this normal? Does a normal CA125 indicate that the mass is likely benign?? For context, I am a 37 year old pre-menapausal with one child.

I'm so worried and feel so out of sorts :/ 

  • Hi and thank you for your post,

    I can appreciate it can be an anxious time while waiting for a hospital referral.

    CA 125 blood test  is done to check for raised levels of the protein CA 125. It is normal to have some levels of the protein, but the levels can be higher if there is a problem such as ovarian cancer, or non-cancerous conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.

    Most women with ovarian cancer will have a raised CA 125, so it is encouraging that your levels are within the normal limits. It is also worth knowing that most ovarian cysts/masses in premenopausal women are likely to be benign.

    I can understand why your GP has referred you to the gynaecology team as they will be able to arrange any further tests that may be necessary to assess in more detail the cyst/mass that was found during the ultrasound scan that you had done. Hopefully, you will not have to wait too long before you receive your appointment and have more of an idea of what your situation is.

    You may have seen this already, there is further information on the NHS website about ovarian cysts and how they are treated which you can read here.

    I hope this helps, take care, all the best

    Jemma

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