Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125)

CA-125 (Cancer Antigen) Test, Carbohydrate Antigen (CA-125) Test

Results

The cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of the CA-125 protein in the blood. Normal CA-125 values may vary from lab to lab.

Cancer antigen 125 normal values

Normal:	Less than 35 units per milliliter (U/mL)	Less than 35 kiloUnits per liter (kU/L) (SI units)

 

High values

• Conditions other than cancer that can cause high CA-125 values include:
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  • Endometriosis.
  • Uterine fibroids.
  • Liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis).
  • Pancreatitis.
  • The first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Certain times during the menstrual cycle.
  • Lupus.

• Types of cancer that can cause high CA-125 values include:
  • Ovarian cancer or cancer of the fallopian tubes or endometrium. Most women with an ovarian cancer lump that can be felt in the pelvic area have CA-125 values higher than 65 U/mL.
  • Cancer of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, liver, breast, colon, or lung.
  • Cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), including lymphoma. These types of cancers usually occur along with the buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: June 9, 2009
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
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