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Non-Malaysian citizens are subject to 6% SST, to be verified and paid at the counter before screening.
CA125 Test — Ovarian Cancer Marker
Introduction
CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a glycoprotein antigen, widely used as a tumor marker for ovarian cancer. Elevated CA125 is often associated with epithelial ovarian cancer, and it is also applied in treatment monitoring and recurrence follow-up.
Note that high CA125 does not always mean ovarian cancer; benign conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammation, or menstruation can also increase levels.
Why Take a CA125 Test?
- Risk assessment: Supports evaluation when ovarian abnormalities are suspected.
- Treatment monitoring: Tracks CA125 changes during therapy to assess response.
- Recurrence surveillance: Helps detect possible relapse after ovarian cancer treatment.
Method & Workflow
A venous blood sample is collected to measure serum CA125. Interpretation should be done together with imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and clinical findings.
Factors & Notes
- Benign conditions (endometriosis, ovarian cysts, menstruation) can also elevate CA125.
- In premenopausal women, CA125 has limited specificity; additional tests are often required.
- Serial trends are more valuable than a single measurement.
Who Should Consider Testing?
- Patients clinically suspected of ovarian cancer
- Confirmed ovarian cancer patients under treatment monitoring
- Patients after surgery or therapy requiring recurrence follow-up
- Women undergoing a tumor marker panel assessment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does high CA125 always mean ovarian cancer?
A: No. Endometriosis, pelvic inflammation, and menstruation can also elevate CA125.
Q2: Can CA125 be used for general ovarian cancer screening?
A: No. It is not suitable as a stand-alone screening tool, but rather as a supportive test under medical evaluation.
Q3: How should I interpret CA125 results?
A: Always consider clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and other tumor markers, focusing on trends over time.
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