Does the CA-125 test accurately predict ovarian cancer?
CA-125 is an ovarian cancer antigen test but it is also positive in many cases of benign pelvic and abdominal disease, especially premenopausal. Fibroids, diverticulitis, liver disease, benign ovarian tumors, endometriosis and other nonmalignant sources can cause an elevation in CA-125. Normal values in most labs are 35 u/ml or less and only when the values are over 100 u/ml is there a great concern for malignancy. Benign causes can be associated with levels higher than 100 u/ml while malignancies, especially early Stage I ovarian cancer can be associated with normal or equivocal levels (35-100 u/ml).
