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Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) is a protein produced in the ovary, uterus,
fallopian tubes and peritoneum (and some other areas). In about 80% of
women with ovarian cancer, CA-125 is elevated.
This property makes it clinically useful in some situations in which
ovarian cancer is suspected. However, it has two primary drawbacks:
- Most elevations of CA-125 are not due to ovarian cancer, but are
related to any irritation of the organs that produce it, including
ovulation, gastroenteritis, trauma, exercise, pregnancy, benign ovarian
cysts, endometriosis, and other innocent conditions.
- Elevation of the CA-125 level associated with ovarian cancer often
occurs rather late in the cancer process, limiting its' usefulness as an
early detection technique.
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Normal Values*
*These are general values taken from a variety of
sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one
type of testing protocol to another.
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The information contained here is an
abbreviated summary. For more detailed and complete information, consult the
manufacturer's product information sheets or standard textbooks
Source:
Operational Medicine 2001, Health
Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau
of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington,
D.C., 20372-5300
Military Obstetrics & Gynecology
© 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Medical Education Division,
Brookside Associates, Ltd.
All rights reserved
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