Why is the CA125 blood test prescribed by a doctor?

A CA125 blood test is prescribed by a doctor primarily to monitor conditions related to a woman’s reproductive health, specifically to check for markers that may indicate ovarian cancer or other gynecological issues. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of why this test is used and what it entails:

### Why Is the CA125 Blood Test Prescribed?

1. Ovarian Cancer Detection: CA125 is a protein that can be higher in the blood of women with ovarian cancer. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of this disease, but it’s not a definitive diagnostic tool on its own.

2. Cancer Monitoring: For women already diagnosed with ovarian cancer, this test helps monitor the effectiveness of treatment and the progression of the disease.

3. Symptoms Evaluation: When a woman shows symptoms like pelvic pain, bloating, and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, a CA125 test may be ordered to investigate potential causes.

4. Evaluation of Other Conditions: Besides ovarian cancer, elevated CA125 levels can sometimes be associated with conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even non-cancerous conditions in the liver or lungs.

### What to Expect During a CA125 Blood Test:

– Preparation: Typically, no specific preparation is needed. It’s a simple blood draw.

– Procedure: A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein, usually in the arm, and send it to a lab for analysis.

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