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CertifiedLabsWhat Is Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) Test?
The CA-125 test measures the levels of a protein called Cancer Antigen 125 in the blood, which can serve as a tumour marker and may be elevated in certain cancers, especially ovarian cancer. The ovaries, which are the reproductive organs in females responsible for producing eggs and hormones, produce this protein. CA-125 is also found in the cells lining the fallopian tubes and uterus. Elevated CA-125 levels are not exclusive to cancer and can occur in various health conditions. The test is particularly useful in screening postmenopausal women who have a high risk of developing ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history or genetic predisposition. It is also used to assess individuals showing symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer. The CA-125 test is essential for monitoring the response to ovarian cancer treatment and detecting cancer recurrence after treatment.
If you are in Gurgaon and have risk factors or symptoms that raise concerns about ovarian cancer, your doctor may suggest a CA-125 test, which can be conveniently performed at home to monitor your health and assess your risk.
Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) Test Parameters
The CA-125 test measures only one parameter: the levels of CA-125 in blood.
CA-125 is a protein in the bloodstream, which serves as a tumour marker produced by ovarian cancer cells and the cells lining organs like the endometrium, fallopian tubes, lungs (pleura), gut (peritoneum), and heart (pericardium). This test is primarily used in serological testing for suspected ovarian cancer and for monitoring patients already diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancers. CA-125 is thought to suppress the immune system’s ability to eliminate diseased cells, such as those infected or cancerous.
Under normal conditions, CA-125 stays on the cell surface, protected by barriers that prevent it from entering the bloodstream. When these barriers are compromised by cancerous cells, CA-125 leaks into the blood, leading to elevated levels detectable by tests. Moreover, CA-125 may interact with other proteins within cells, promoting cancer growth and metastasis.
Elevated CA-125 levels are most often associated with ovarian cancer, particularly epithelial ovarian cancer, but may also be seen in other cancers, such as those of the uterus, breast, and fallopian tubes. Non-cancerous conditions like ovarian cysts, fibroids, and endometriosis, as well as normal physiological states like early pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menstruation, can also lead to increased CA-125 levels.
Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) Test Preparation
Preparing for a Cancer Antigen 125 test at home is simple with these guidelines:
Pre-requisites
You do not need to fast before taking the CA-125 test.
Best Time to Get Tested
The CA-125 test can be taken at any time during the day.
Who Should Get a Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) Test
The CA-125 test is recommended for women who need to diagnose ovarian cancer, especially those with symptoms or risk factors such as a family history or genetic predisposition. It is also appropriate for monitoring women diagnosed with ovarian cancer who are undergoing treatment. After treatment, regular tests may be conducted to monitor for cancer recurrence.
Cautions Before Taking a Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) Test
Be aware that CA-125 levels may be elevated in non-cancerous conditions, including pregnancy, menstruation, and fibroids. Consult your doctor to learn about any specific precautions you should take before the test.
Why Take the Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) Test?
A CA-125 test is a valuable tool for managing ovarian cancer and assessing your risk. Here’s why you might need this test:
Monitor Treatment Progress : For individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer, regular CA-125 testing during treatment is essential to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. A decrease in CA-125 levels is a good sign that the treatment is working.
Evaluate Pelvic Lumps : If a suspicious lump is found in the pelvic area during imaging tests like an ultrasound, CA-125 levels can help determine if the lump might be ovarian cancer.
Check for Recurrence : Following the completion of cancer treatment, CA-125 levels may be checked periodically, whether every few months or annually, to monitor for any recurrence of the cancer.
High-Risk Assessment
Those with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer.
Individuals with specific genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
People with hereditary conditions, such as Lynch syndrome, that increase cancer risk.
Anyone with a history of ovarian, breast, colorectal, or uterine cancer.
Since elevated CA-125 levels can occur in other conditions, the test is usually used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to confirm a diagnosis.
FAQs on Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) Test
The cost of a Cancer Antigen 125 test in Gurgaon is 1600. This cost includes quick home sample collection from your desired location.
Yes, Orange Health Labs offers home sample collection for the CA-125 test in Gurgaon. An experienced eMedic will arrive at your preferred location within 60 minutes of booking, or at a time that suits your convenience, ensuring a smooth and easy process.
Primarily, the CA-125 test is used in the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of ovarian cancer. It assists in screening high-risk individuals or those with ovarian cancer symptoms. The test is most commonly utilised during ovarian cancer treatment to assess the treatment's success and to detect if the cancer has returned.
No, fasting is not needed for a CA-125 test.
Here’s how you can book a blood test or health checkup through our platform:
Find the Test : Search for the CA-125 test in Gurgaon or at home and navigate to Orange Health’s page.
Review and Verify : Choose the test, review any prerequisites, provide your location, and finalise your booking by selecting a convenient time for sample collection.
Collection of Sample : At the scheduled time, a trained eMedic will visit your home to collect the sample.
Lab Processing : Your sample will be sent to our ICMR-approved and NABL-accredited laboratories for analysis.
Receive Results : You will receive your test results via email or WhatsApp within 33 hours, and they will also be available on our app.
The normal level for the CA-125 test is <35 U/mL.
Orange Health Labs ensures a prompt turnaround for the CA-125 test, with the report typically ready within 33 hours after the sample is taken.
The regularity of CA-125 testing is guided by your specific health condition. For those being treated for ovarian cancer, the test is usually performed frequently to evaluate therapy effectiveness and monitor for recurrence. If you are at high risk or have symptoms, your doctor might recommend additional tests based on the findings.
The CA-125 test quantifies a single parameter: the level of Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) protein in the blood sample.
The CA-125 test does not require fasting.
Orange Health brings fast CA-125 test services directly to your home across Gurgaon, so you don’t need to visit a physical lab. We cater to a variety of local areas, including but not limited to DLF Phase 1, DLF Phase 2, DLF Phase 3, DLF Phase 4, DLF Phase 5, Sector 14, Sector 15, Sector 21, Sector 22, Sector 23, Sector 24, Sector 29, Sector 31, Sector 40, Sector 42, Sector 43, Sector 45, Sector 46, Sector 50, Sector 51, Sector 52, Sector 53, Sector 54, Sector 55, Sector 56.
Payment & Refund Policy
- We do not accept cash payments
- All modes of online payment are accepted
- Refunds will be credited back to the source of payment within 5-7 working days of order cancellation.
References
- CA-125 Blood Test (Ovarian Cancer) [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2022 [cited 2024 Aug 2]. Available from: http://medlineplus.gov
- CA-125 Blood Test: Results, Normal Range & What To Expect [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022 [cited 2024 Aug 2]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17830-ca-125-blood-test
- Gandhi T, Zubair M, Bhatt H. Cancer Antigen 125 [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2024 [cited 2024 Aug 2]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562245/