CA-125
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Cancer antigen 125 |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
CA-125 stands for Cancer antigen 125, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Blood protein used as a tumor marker for epithelial ovarian cancer, helping evaluate pelvic masses, monitor treatment response and detect recurrence. It is raised in most women with advanced ovarian cancer.
Example: Postmenopausal woman with complex adnexal mass and CA-125 of 640 U/mL; gynecologic oncology referral.
Usage notes
Levels can also rise with endometriosis, fibroids, menstruation, pregnancy, pelvic inflammation, liver disease and any irritation of the abdominal lining, which limits its specificity, especially before menopause. Large trials, including the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (2021), found that screening average-risk women with CA-125 did not reduce deaths. Also written CA125.
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.