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Raised CA125 – what we actually know…
Author(s) -
Howe Tamara,
Sokolovsky Nava,
Sayasneh Ahmad,
Omar Kazal,
Tahmasebi Farshad
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1111/tog.12704
Subject(s) - confusion , medicine , ovarian cancer , intensive care medicine , epithelial ovarian cancer , multidisciplinary team , cancer , gynecology , psychology , nursing , psychoanalysis
Key content Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is an antigen used in the diagnosis of epithelial nonmucinous ovarian cancers. CA125 may be elevated in many benign and malignant conditions, so elevated levels can cause confusion over patient management. The multidisciplinary team is important when planning care for patients with suspected ovarian cancer.Learning objectives To know the factors leading to CA125 production and its mechanism of action. To understand how CA125 is used as a diagnostic tool and to assess the treatment response of ovarian cancer. To appreciate patient care options in cases of falsely elevated CA125.Ethical issues Is the CA125 blood test being used in patients appropriately and safely? In patients with elevated CA125 levels, does this lead to unnecessary investigations and invasive treatments?