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Docs have referred me for CA125.. need advice

MissCooper23
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Hi everyone,

it’s been a very long time since I came on here.

so just to give a bit of background. A few months ago I started noticing changes to my menstrual cycle, and they have been like clockwork since I had my son 7 years ago. I was late for periods, periods lasting longer than 7 days, and even spotting/bleeding throughout the whole of my cycle. So I went to the docs and they referred me for an US, and they have suggested that I have a cyst in my ovary with the appearance of Heamorragic in nature or endometrioma. My docs have now suggested I come back in 6-8 weeks for a follow up scan to check if it has increased in size, currently is 1.7x1.7 and my ovary is 15ml in volume so I know the cyst is approx half my ovary at this stage. 
what I am concerned about now though is that my doc has referred me for a CA125 blood test, along with kindey and liver function, and FBC. I have done a bit of research and I know what the CA125 is for and have checked why the other tests are done with it and dr google says that it is to rule out other possibilities for causing CA125 levels to be raised. 

does this mean that my docs suspect that the cyst could be cancerous :/ I am very worried and especially as I have been trying for a baby recently. 

would appreciate any advice if anyone has been in a similar situation xx

  • Hello MissCooper23

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some ongoing health problems. It's natural that you have concerns about things. 

    A CA125 test can be undertaken as part of a panel of tests to help diagnose ovarian cancer, however, it is really important to keep in mind that a raised CA125 does not automatically mean that ovarian cancer is confirmed as a raised result can be caused by other conditions. 

    We know that many people turn to Google while waiting for tests and results. We also know that what happens most often is that people are still left with questions and typically feel more anxious. I wonder if you might find it helpful to talk with one of our nurses while you're waiting for your blood test results and follow-up scan. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I do hope that the doctors are able to give you some reassurance soon. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    Please try not to overthink. CA125 markers are a routine test, there are so many of us on here with raised levels and it hasn’t meant anything sinister. If anything it seems to show quite a lot of info on hormonal bleeding as it falls and raises through your cycle. It’s most meaningful it seems post menopausal when you are supposedly no longer bleeding however I have spoken with so many post menopausal women on here with raised ca125 and it’s still turned out ok. Are you in your 30s or 40s? Maybe checking for perimenopause. 
    I have a very large 8cm cyst and a liver cyst and let me tell you it’s the slowest system ever to get answers. Mine started October, I got answers in January and won’t likely speak to a person until the summer. Wait for your blood tests and then try for your baby. I’m sure you will be fine. Good luck. 

  • Offline in reply to cloudy1986

    Thank you! I really appreciate your response and it is reassuring to know. I have also realised that the report the docs sent me says that both of my ovaries are enlarged and noted that the right one is 15ml, not sure if that is considered normal or not but also wonder if that is the reason why they are sending me for the CA125. I am 32 now, so I don’t suspect it to be perimenopause, I hope not anyway! 

    it really is the slowest system! But I do hope it doesn’t take too long for them to get the results back to me. I had my blood test done yesterday so I will update once I have had my results xx

    8cm cyst seems very large! I do hope that they get back to you soon xx

  • Offline in reply to MissCooper23

    I thought 8cm was huge too but being in here for months I soon realised there are a lot bigger out there! 
    I was about a week waiting for ca125, but even if it’s raised don’t worry, read on the threads here, so many people and nothing in the end. 
    Good luck, all will be ok x 

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