C125 and CA19-9 results high

I have been informed that my C125 result is currently 46 and C19-9 score of 39. I have also been told I have h-pylori. My health anxiety has gone through the roof and I am terrified! I’ve lost my appetite since Sunday and really don’t want to eat. Should I be worried? 

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I'm sorry you are worried about your health.

    The CA125 is a protein found in blood. When the level is raised, this indicates that there is some sort of inflammation in the pelvic area. But it cannot tell the doctor exactly what is causing the inflammation. A level of 46 is only slightly above the normal range. Other conditions can cause this level to rise such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, periods, pelvic infections ,and fibroids. It doesn't automatically mean something serious is going on.

    Your CA19‑9 level also is just slightly above the usual upper limit, and can be caused by stomach inflammation. H pylori, gallbladder or pancreatic issues.

    Your doctor may want to repeat these blood tests as they sometimes goes back to normal.

    H-pylori can cause loss of appetite and some people describe feeling nauseated and bloated as well. It is usually treated with a one-week course of two antibiotics and an antacid medication which usually clears the infection.

    I’m not sure if you are getting help with managing your health anxiety. If not, do speak to your GP about this when you get the chance. In the meantime. the NHS website has some information on managing health anxiety that may be useful to you.

    I hope this is of some use.Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Thanks Celene, I’m on a two week referral but am terrified they will tell me it’s terminal. Is it a concern both are elevated? I’m premenopausal and was spotting blood when I had the test. Are these high two tests linked or does it suggest something has spread? Would the results go up dramatically if I got retested in a weeks time? I have gone back on Sertraline to relieve the anxiety, I’m just not coping. I am meant to be flying out to America on 14th May to see my daughter graduate, how likely is that to happen. 

  • Hi there and thanks for getting back in touch

    I appreciate you are worried but please don't read too much into this or the test results for now.

    You have been referred on the fastest pathway which means you will be seen quickly so hopefully you will know more very soon. As Celene has already said there are so many reasons for blood test results to be out of normal range and for the majority of people the cause won't be anything to do with cancer.

    Do let your doctor know if the anxiety doesn't settle in case they can adjust your medication, although it can take time for these to work. Charities such as Anxiety UK and MIND also have resources on coping strategies and can also offer one to one support in the form of an advisor if needed.

    You still have a little while until your daughter's graduation so take things one step at a time for now.

    I hope you also have family and friends around you to share how you are feeling so they can also support and help you through this period of uncertainty.

    Take care

    Naomi