The CA-125 test measures the level of Cancer Antigen 125, a protein found on the surface of many ovarian cancer cells and some healthy cells. CA-125 is produced by various tissues in the body and its levels can be elevated in certain cancers as well as some benign conditions.
This test is most commonly used to monitor the response to ovarian cancer treatment, detect cancer recurrence after treatment, and in some cases, to help diagnose ovarian cancer. It may also be elevated in other cancers such as endometrial, fallopian tube, lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers. Non-cancerous conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and liver disease can also raise CA-125 levels.
