How Accurate Is This Blood Test?

[Barsel]

My GP has asked for me to have a CA125 blood test. I can't find out what the levels for this are supposed to be and wondered whether it will come back as either ok or not ok and if further tests will be asked for. It's to do with Ovarian cancer. x

[bednobs]

the problem is it can be raised in other conditions too. And normal changes with age etc. i think anything over about 20 is a problem, but your GP will guide you

[Barsel]

Hi bednobs, thanks for your answer. The thing is, I don't even know if I have any ovaries after having a hysterectomy about 20yrs ago. What kind of test would show if I have them or not?

[bednobs]

an ultrasound? but in any case, it doesn't really make a difference - you can get ovarian cancer even if you've had your ovaries removed

[Barsel]

Oh my goodness, I didn't know that. I've been convincing myself I don't have ovaries therefore I can't have the cancer. Bit worried now. :-( x

[Sqad]

You cannot get ovarian cancer after having your ovaries removed prophylactically ( normal ovaries)

However, there is a small chance, a very very small chance of getting a cancer in the lining ( peritoneum) which is not Ovarian in nature.

So in your case.........don't worry.

[Sqad]

CA125.......varies from lab to lab, but anything under 30 is normal.

Bednobs is correct it is not a specific test ie, a raised CA125 can be caused by non cancerous conditions.

Wait until the blood test comes back and then if you are still worried....get back to us.

[Barsel]

Ok thanks a lot. Hoping to get my results tomorrow. x

[Fusion5]

What are the chances of getting ovarian cancer in one remaining ovary after having a hysterectomy 18 years ago with one ovary removed ?

Sorr to hijack your thread Barsel.

[Peter Pedant]

-all very good answers

you want ( I think ) to know the answer to the following question:

if the CA125 is raised, what is the chance I have cancer ?

the technical question is - what is the positive predictive value of CA125 ? Usually called PPV.

and hey I googled it and got:
W Grzybowski -"CA 125 measurements were performed with Zymed Laboratories CA 125 , positive predictive value 90%. "
.
"Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) - The relatively low prevalence of ovarian cancer means that the positive predictive value of CA-125 as a screening test is extremely low. CA-125 is unreliable in ..."

Yes, one paper says it is great and another paper says it is crop.

I agree with Sqad who says the chance of getting ovarian cancer in someone who has had their ovaries out must be very very low indeed

so in answer to your q - how accurate
the answer appears to be I am afraid : opinions vary...

[Peter Pedant]

fusion

the answer here is
http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/ovarian-cancer-hysterectomy

it reduces the risk by one third....

[Sqad]

Fusion........I don't know....but roughly:

Out of all cancers in women, only 3 % are due to Ovarian cancer....so it is "relatively " rare whether you have one ovary or two.

This of course increase with risk factor of Ovarian cancer.

[Fusion5]

Thank you for your answers.

[Barsel]

Thanks from me too.I don't mind you hijacking my thread Fusion, I've done it myself on occasions. x

[bednobs]

hi barsel, any news from today? I was htinking of you

[Barsel]

Hi bednobs. The blood result hadn't come back so the nurse phoned the hospital lab but they said it hadn't been processed so the nurse said she would phone me when she had the results but I haven't had a phone call yet.Will probably phone them tomorrow to see if they have the results. Thanks for asking. x

[bednobs]

thanks for replying. fingers crossed