CA125 is a protein that is found in the cells of the ovaries and is often used as a tumor marker for ovarian cancer. A CA125 test measures the amount of this protein in the blood, and can be used to monitor response to treatment or detect a recurrence of the disease. However, elevated CA125 levels are not always indicative of ovarian cancer and can also be caused by other conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease, and even pregnancy. As such, the CA125 test is not typically used as a screening test for ovarian cancer, but rather as a tool for monitoring patients who are already diagnosed with the disease. It is important to note that a normal CA125 level does not rule out the presence of ovarian cancer, and other diagnostic tests such as imaging studies may be needed.
