Elevated CA-125

Hi everyone, first-time poster here! 

I am a 29-year-old female with long-term abdominal discomfort. I first started really noticing back in 2019. I went to my doctor and had a number of blood tests done, which showed an elevated CA-125 result (I don't have periods due to being on the mini pill, so it wasn't raised due to that), so I was referred to have a transvaginal ultrasound. That came back normal, so I pushed for further testing. In December 2020, I had a laparoscopy to check for endometriosis, which showed nothing. Fast forward to 2023, and I am still having issues. I went back to my GP saying that I was feeling unwell, having loss of appetite, blood and mucus in my stool (not every time) and chronic constipation, so they did some blood tests, and my CA-125 was elevated again. They then referred me for an urgent transvaginal and pelvic ultrasound, which returned completely normal. I also had some stool samples done, including the FIT test, which is used as a marker for bowel cancer and that came back negative, but I had two other stool samples come back showing inflammation, so I was booked in for a colonoscopy and had that yesterday and everything looked normal, so I am back at square one. I know something is wrong, but nothing is showing up, and I have no idea what to do next. 

I was wondering if anyone else had been in this situation. 

Thank you! x

  • Hello maddierose93, 

    A big welcome to Cancer Chat! 

    You did well to go to your doctor when you first experienced this abdominal discomfort. It's reassuring that the transvaginal ultrasound came back normal but as your symptoms persisted it was a good idea to go back to your GP and have some additional tests. It's excellent news though that all your tests have come back normal including the colonoscopy but I can understand your frustration and the feeling of being back at square one. It's difficult to know what to do next - have you spoken to your GP about all your results and what they think about the elevated CA125? If you feel that you are not getting anywhere, it may be worth considering getting a second opinion for peace of mind and you can find out more about that on this page

    Others on our forum will have been in a similar situation and they will hopefully be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator