What it means
A protein found on the surface of many ovarian cancer cells, and in smaller amounts in normal tissue. It is used to help evaluate a pelvic mass, to follow treatment for ovarian cancer and to look for its return. It is not a screening test for people at average risk, because menstruation, pregnancy, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic infection and liver disease can also raise it, and early cancers may not.
For the nurse
Note where the client is in the menstrual cycle and any pregnancy, since they affect the result. Explain that trends over time matter more than one number.
At a glance
| Normal range | Below 35 units/mL [below 35 kU/L] |
|---|---|
| Also written | cancer antigen 125, CA 125 |
Related terms
antineoplastic
A drug used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and dividing.
carcinoembryonic antigen
A protein measured in the blood as a tumor marker, mainly to follow colorectal cancer.