How accurate is the CA 125 blood test?

Results: Using a CA125 cutoff of 30 U/mL, an overall sensitivity of 94.8% (96.6% specificity) was obtained when comparing malignancies versus healthy postmenopausal controls, whereas a cutoff of 65 U/mL provided a sensitivity of 83.9% (99.6% specificity).

What is a cancer antigen test?

What is being tested? Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cancer cells. CA 19-9 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells and can be detected by laboratory tests in blood and sometimes other body fluids. This test measures the level of CA19-9.

How do you test for cancer antigens?

How are tumor marker tests done? There are 3 ways your doctor can test for tumor markers: a blood test, a urine test, or a biopsy. A member of your health care team will send a sample of your blood or urine into a laboratory for analysis.

Is CA 125 only for ovarian cancer?

CA 125 is the only tumor marker recommended for clinical use in the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer.

What is a good CA 125 level?

The normal value is less than 46 U/mL. If your CA 125 level is higher than normal, you may have a benign condition, or the test result could mean that you have ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer. Your doctor may recommend other tests and procedures to determine your diagnosis.

Do all cancers show up in blood tests?

Blood tests are usually done in all cases of suspected cancer and may also be done routinely in healthy individuals. Not all cancers show up on blood tests. Blood tests can give information about the overall health status, such as thyroid, kidney, and liver functions.

Are there blood tests to detect ovarian cancer?

The blood test CA125 can be used to help diagnose or exclude ovarian cancer. CA125 is a protein found in the blood and can be produced by ovarian cancer cells. However, there are other causes for raised CA125 levels such as menstruation, endometriosis or ovarian cysts. The CA125 test is more reliable in post menopausal women.

How accurate is the CA125 blood test for ovarian cancer?

Specializes in Preventive Medicine 99% when cancer: Ca-125 is 99% accurate if an ovarian cyst or tumor happens to be cancer. The problem with this blood test is that it is very inaccurate when there is no cancer (called a false positive), sometimes up to 45%. This is why ob/gyns do not use this test as a screening test, or at patient request.

Is blood in your urine a sign of ovarian cancer?

Should not: Ovarian cancer does not cause blood in the urine. However, if the ovarian cancer is locally advancing into the bladder, then blood may be seen in the urine visible to the eye or detected by a urinalysis.

What are the benign causes of elevated CA 27-29 levels?

Benign causes of elevated CA 27-29 levels are as follows: Chronic hepatitis. Liver cirrhosis. Tuberculosis. Sarcoidosis. Benign breast disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease [ 2]