CA 125 Test is a blood test that helps diagnose ovarian cancer. CA 125 stands for cancer antigen 125, a protein found in the blood. It is often used as a biomarker since its levels are raised in certain diseases like ovarian cancer. CA 125 test cost ranges from Rs 750 to Rs 1200 in India.
Ovarian cancer is generally symptomless in its early stages. In advanced stages of the disease, symptoms like abdominal pain or swelling, weight gain or loss, tiredness, etc., may occur. Ovarian cyst occurring after menopause may be cancerous and needs proper evaluation.
Even though it has the term ‘cancer’ in its name, it may not always be a cause of serious concern. Its levels may be raised in conditions like liver diseases, uterine fibroids, etc.
| Also known as | Ovarian Cancer marker, MUC16, Mucin 16, Cancer antigen 125 |
| Purpose | Diagnosis, Treatment progress and Recurrence of Ovarian cancer |
| Preparation | No special preparation is needed. Fasting is not needed |
| Cost | Rs 750 to Rs 1400 |
| Reporting time | 8 to 24 hours |
CA 125 test price usually ranges from Rs 750 to Rs 1200. The actual price would depend on the diagnostic centre and city. Sometimes, doctors recommend 2-3 cancer marker tests, which may be covered in a general health checkup.
Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centres in India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
The table below list the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres in India.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Dr Lal Path labs | Rs 1200 |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 1410 |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 1450 |
| Redcliffe Lab | Rs 1200 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 1100 |
| Apollo Diagnostics | Rs 1200 |
The CA-125 test cost varies depending on the city. You can click on the link below to check city-wise test prices.
Your doctor may prescribe CA 125 test if –
CA-125, also known as Mucin 16 or MUC16, is a protein encoded by the MUC16 gene. MUC16 is a member of the mucin family glycoproteins. It is found to be elevated in the blood of patients with some types of cancer, most notably ovarian cancer.
Did you know why the number ‘125’ 🤔?
Well, in their research on immune therapy, it took the investigators 125 attempts to find an antibody that could recognize the ovarian tumor cells. The corresponding antigen on the surface of the ovarian cancer cell was hence called CA 125.
Source
You can eat and drink normally before the test, requiring no special preparation.
Your diagnostic lab may ask for your clinical history. Thus, you should carry your medical history and doctor’s prescription with you.
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. A blood sample is taken from the vein in your arm or hand by the following steps-
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that in any other blood test. These include-
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
Your test results may or may not indicate a heightened risk of ovarian cancer. However, your results should be interpreted by a qualified doctor based on clinical findings.
The normal range for CA 125 test marker is 0-35 units per millilitre. This value may vary slightly among different laboratories.
| Test Name | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| CA-125 | Less than 35 | Units/mL |
Depending on the laboratory, you can get the test results in a few hours to 1-2 working days.
In about 50% of women with early-stage ovarian cancer, CA 125 levels may NOT be elevated. Similarly, 15% of women with advanced stage of the disease do NOT show an increase in CA 125 levels.
The table below indicates the percentage of people with elevated CA-125 levels accordingly to stages of cancer.
| Stage of Ovarian Cancer | Percentage Positivity of CA 125 |
|---|---|
| Stage I | 50 |
| Stage II | 90 |
| Stage III & Stage IV | >90 |
No.
Though high CA 125 levels are found in ovarian cancer, it can also point to other diseases.
An increased level may also be found in 1% of healthy individuals.
Hence, other investigations along with clinical signs and symptoms are correlated to come at a definite diagnosis.
The CA 125 test is a crucial biomarker used to diagnose and monitor treatment progression and recurrence of ovarian cancer.
The result of a single test may not be as important as that of a series of examinations and their comparison. Getting the test from the same laboratory is recommended for better comparison over time.
However, the interpretation of its result is best left to your doctor, who will consider many other factors to ensure the right diagnosis and treatment plan for you.
To all the ladies and their loved ones who have been advised this test -Trust your doctor and your body’s healing power. We wish you a speedy recovery from whatever is ailing you.
CA-125 Test
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.
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