Reasons for High Values of CA-125

Q: I am 26 years old unmarried female. I have a mixed echogenic lesion measuring about 4.7 x 4.3 cm in the right adnexal region. As per doctor’s advice, I got a CA-125 test and result was 139.17 U/ml. Doctor suggested me to get a laparoscopy. If I get it done, will it have any effect over my future or my marital life?
-By Marjan

Reply:

Your laparoscopy is probably being done for diagnostic purposes. Talk to your doctor clearly about it.

It is important to find out why you have the adnexal mass, what is its source of origin and its nature.

Usually, such masses are from the ovary and they are benign (not cancerous). They are simply cystic swellings from the ovary.

But since your CA-125 is high, doctors need to know the nature of this adnexal mass.

Conditions With Increased Levels of CA-125

CA-125 is a cancer antigen or tumor marker. The normal range is 0 to 35 U/ml. Any value above it suggests some pathology in the ovary.

This may be-

• Ovarian cancer
• Infection in the ovary
• Endometriosis (in ovary)

Whatever the condition be, it needs to be treated.

So doctors need to investigate you. By laparoscopy, they would take some tissue from the adnexal mass and try to know what it is. Then only, the treatment required can be decided.

It is recommended that you discuss this with your doctor as well.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.