Results

Results of the CA 125 test are measured in units per milliliter (U/mL). The normal value is less than 46 U/mL.

If your CA 125 level is higher than normal, you may have a benign condition, or the test result could mean that you have ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer. Your doctor may recommend other tests and procedures to determine your diagnosis.

If you've been diagnosed with ovarian, endometrial, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer, a decreasing CA 125 level often indicates that the cancer is responding to treatment. A rising CA 125 level may indicate a return or continued growth of the cancer.

A number of normal and noncancerous conditions can cause an elevated CA 125 level, including:

• Endometriosis
• Liver disease
• Menstruation
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pregnancy
• Uterine fibroids

None of the major professional organizations recommend using the CA125 as a screening test for those with an average risk of ovarian cancer.