CA125 raised levels

This week I went to see my GP with perimenopausall issues. I mentioned to him that I feel my stomach up to my ribs is bloated and tight and feels uncomfortable.  He said he would add some further tests to the hormone bloods to mark for any tumours.  And a pelvic and stomach ultrasound wodo be ordered as well. Within 24 hours y bloods came back abnormal raised at 59. I am now on 2 week pathway to see gynae and have further tests. Peopl keep trying to reassure me that it might not be the big C but as I read more I realise I have been experiencing Ovarian cancer symptoms but thought it was just me putting on weight. 

All my our bloods came back normal including the hormones which are strange as I havery multiple menopausal symptoms that are ruined the quality of my life.

I am 46 and am going crazy having to wait. 

  • Welcome to our forum, Kazmac1.

    I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling poorly and are, understandably, worried about what your symptoms might mean. I know it is easier said than done but until you hear back from your doctors try to prevent your mind from going into overdrive about this. If you find it impossible though and if you feel that speaking to someone medically trained might help, please know that our friendly team of cancer nurses can chat with you and hopefully answer some of the questions you might have. They are available on this number 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday, between 9 a.m - 5 p.m.

    I hope you get your answers soon, Kazmac1, and that they turn out to be nothing sinister. Once you do, come back and give us an update, we're keeping our fingers crossed for you.

    All the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Kazmac1 and welcome to the forum.

    I am not a doctor (and I'm not a woman either).

    A raised CA 125 (and yours isn't raised by much) is simply an indication that one of your ovaries is unwell, with an ovarian cyst being by far the most common cause. Of course, no one can tell for sure until all the tests are done, but at your age, the chance of cancer is quite small. 

    Obviously, your doctor is being super-cautious and has quite rightly referred you on a two week pathway, but this is not because cancer is suspected, but rather just to rule it out the small possibility. I know it's difficult, but try not to work on the principle that you're going get a cancer diagnosis. These tests are there to find out what is wrong, and once that is known it can be fixed. 

    For what it's worth, my wife had a massive ovarian cyst when she was in her 50s. The offending ovary was removed and no cancer found. That is what usually happens. 

  • Thank you. I had a scan on Friday and they detected something but thought was my bowel and today have had to another scan which has shown a 22mm mass. 

    They don' know if possibly cancer so my case is going to the MDT meeting for further discussion on the plan of action. 

    I am trying to keep positive but not knowing one way or another is getting good frustrating even though it has been 2 weeks. 

    If it is cancer at least it is small and caught early although the consultant said it was near the right ovary rather than on it, so slightly confused.

    Had another blook test today to see is ca125 has changed.

  • hi there, if you don’t mind me asking, what was the outcome of the scans?  I hope all is well now. x

  • I also wondered how you’re doing? I have raised CA-125 and trying very hard not to google. I’ve clearly failed as I’ve ended up here. I have my Pre-op on Thursday and the removal of the ovary is eight to twelve weeks after. My biggest concern is that the two previous scans have been unable to find the ovary because of a big mass of allegedly gas. So I have no idea what to expect. The consultant has said that I show no signs of endometriosis, which I was hoping it would be. It’s a terrifying situation. 

  • Hi. I too am where you are at. Although I’m booked in for a full hysterectomy on 25th Marc after ct scan detected 16cm mass on ovary. I’ve been advised cannot tell if malignant or not until comes out. I know exactly how your feeling nits all the uncertainty. Is it the c or not?  The way I’m trying to look at is least it’s been detected and I’m in the path of it being treated. 

  • Hi I had a scan and they couldn’t find my ovarys due to to much gas , my ca125 is also raised , did u find out what it was x

  • Luckily my mass was benine Struggled getting over the hysterectomy though. Was 4 months ago and still don’t feel right
  • That’s good news , so was it through the gas that’s why they couldn’t see your ovarys x

  • No apparently my womb st the time( gone now) was tilted? I’m just glad it’s sll over. No more stressing!  Hope all goes ok with you