Many times we don’t give enough importance to important elements of our health, like tests, for example. Keeping them up to date also means making sure that everything is all right with your body, or at least knowing what you need to do to be healthy again. Of course, not all tests need to be done very often; usually a basic check-up is all that’s necessary. But when your body shows signs that something unusual is happening, a doctor will certainly know the best method to find out if something is wrong or not. This is the case with the CA 125 test. But do you know what it is and what it’s for? If not, don’t worry. That’s exactly what we’re going to discuss in this article.
What Is the CA 125 Test?
The CA 125 test is one of the most important for women these days1. It can indicate certain diseases like endometriosis or ovarian cancer, and is also used to monitor the development and treatment of various diseases. This type of test can also be done in men, as it can also detect conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, among others. Another common misconception is that the test only detects cancer because it is called a tumor marker. The truth is, it’s widely used to check for possible ovarian tumors because it is one of the most accurate examinations for this type of disease, but, as we have already mentioned, it can also point to several other illnesses.
Who Is the CA 125 Test Recommended For?
Most often, the test is recommended for women suspected of having ovarian cancer2, as well as for those in treatment or who have already been cured of this disease, in order to monitor for any traces or recurrence of a tumor. A doctor may also request this test to monitor various other illnesses, both in men and women, although it is much more commonly performed in women.
What Are the Contraindications?
There is no contraindication for this test, since it is a fairly routine blood test. However, your doctor will tell you whether or not you should take it, since there are some specific cases where you may need to wait to take the test, or when it may not be done. This will depend on the patient’s condition and will be evaluated by the attending physician.
How Is the CA 125 Test Done?
The CA 125 test is very common and does not differ much from typical blood tests. The patient sits in a chair, and a tourniquet is tied around their arm to stop blood flow and make the veins wider and, consequently, easier to locate with the needle. Afterwards, the nurse cleans the arm and inserts the needle. Once the blood is collected in a tube, the nurse removes the needle and applies a bandage where the needle was inserted. From that point, the blood sample is sent for laboratory analysis. 
What Can the CA 125 Test Indicate?
The test is used to measure the level of the CA 125 antigen in the blood. When it is too high or too low, something may be wrong with the patient’s body. Some of the main diseases that the CA 125 test can help identify are:
- Ovarian Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Ovarian Cyst
- Endometriosis
- Pancreatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Uterine fibroid
- Fibrosis
- Lupus
As you can see, this type of test can detect a variety of illnesses, especially in women’s bodies. The use of certain medications, exposure to radioactive materials, or surgeries can alter the test results.
Are There Any Risks?
Since this is a very common and routine procedure, the risks of the CA 125 test are virtually zero. Of course, a bruise can develop at the site where the needle was inserted, and a person might even feel a bit unwell after the blood draw. But these are minor and easily treated issues, especially in a medical setting. And even these small incidents are very rare, which makes the CA 125 test extremely safe. The appearance of diseases in our bodies doesn’t always follow a logical pattern. This means it’s necessary to be extra careful, especially if you’re in a risk group for a certain illness. Fortunately, advances in technology and medicine have helped us a lot with this issue in recent years, making it increasingly easier to identify many diseases at an early stage and making treatment simpler3. The CA 125 test is a great example of this kind of progress, as it detects several diseases in women that used to be much harder to identify. That’s why it’s important to always keep your tests up to date. In case of any suspicion, see a doctor as soon as possible to check if there is anything wrong with your body. This helps prevent illnesses and ensures your health is always on track. Also See: Glucose Curve Test – Why Is It Important? Photo: Tannim101
