What does the carbohydrate antigen CA125 test check for?
Feb 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. You Zhangxuan
Introduction
Carbohydrate antigen CA125 is primarily used to detect malignant tumors such as ovarian cancer, as well as benign conditions like uterine fibroids. Also known as cancer antigen 125, CA125 is a type of tumor marker. Elevated levels of this marker are commonly observed in various malignant tumors, including epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas.
Carbohydrate antigen CA125 is primarily used to detect malignant tumors such as ovarian cancer, as well as benign conditions like uterine fibroids.
Carbohydrate antigen CA125, also known as cancer antigen 125, is a type of tumor marker. Elevated levels of this marker are commonly observed in malignant tumors, including epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. Therefore, when CA125 levels are found to be above the normal range, further examinations such as contrast-enhanced CT scans of the chest and abdomen should be performed under medical guidance to determine whether disease is present. However, this test serves only as an auxiliary diagnostic tool and cannot confirm a diagnosis of malignancy. It is mainly used to monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment response in malignant tumors.
In addition, the normal serum level of carbohydrate antigen CA125 in humans is generally considered to be 0–35 kU/L. Significantly elevated test results usually suggest possible pathological changes, and individuals are advised to promptly visit a specialized hospital for further evaluation.
