Unfortunately, there's no single "dangerous" CA-125 level that definitively indicates cancer. The interpretation of the test result depends on several factors, including:

Your age: Levels tend to be naturally higher after menopause.

Medical history: Certain benign conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even menstruation can cause temporary elevations.

Pregnancy: CA-125 levels rise during pregnancy.

Other factors: Liver disease, smoking, and even recent surgery can influence levels.

Here's a general guideline, but it's crucial to consult your doctor for personalized interpretation:

Normal range: Generally considered below 35 U/mL (units per milliliter).

Slightly elevated: 35-70 U/mL might warrant further investigation to rule out other causes, especially if you have risk factors for ovarian cancer.

Significantly elevated: Levels above 70 U/mL can be concerning, especially with additional symptoms like pelvic pain or bloating. However, it doesn't guarantee cancer.

Early-stage ovarian cancer: Might not initially elevate CA-125 levels.

Other conditions: Can cause high levels without cancer being present.

What to do if you have a high CA-125 level:

Pelvic ultrasound: To visualize your pelvic organs and check for abnormalities.

Pelvic exam: To feel for lumps or masses.

Other blood tests: To rule out other conditions.

Biopsy: If necessary, to obtain tissue samples for analysis.

What is a CA-125 Blood Test?

A CA-125 blood test measures the level of a protein called cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) in your blood. Elevated levels of CA-125 may be a sign of certain cancers, particularly ovarian cancer. However, it's important to understand that:

A high CA-125 level doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer. Several other conditions can also cause elevated levels.

A normal CA-125 level doesn't guarantee you don't have cancer. Early-stage ovarian cancer might not raise CA-125 levels.

Monitoring treatment for ovarian cancer: If you've been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your doctor might use CA-125 to track your response to treatment. Decreasing levels often indicate a positive response.

Investigating a pelvic mass: A pelvic mass is a lump felt during a pelvic exam. While most are benign (not cancerous), a CA-125 test can be part of the evaluation process.

Women with a high risk of ovarian cancer: Those with a family history of the disease or genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 might be monitored with CA-125 tests.

Price:

The cost of a CA-125 blood test can vary depending on your insurance coverage, lab fees, and location. It typically falls within the range of $50 to $200.

Procedure:

A CA-125 test is a simple blood draw from your arm vein. There's no special preparation required, and it's generally a painless procedure.

The blood draw itself might cause some minor discomfort like a prick or bruising at the injection site. These are usually temporary and resolve quickly.

There's no standard recommendation for routine CA-125 testing in the general population. Doctors weigh the potential benefits against potential anxiety caused by a false-positive result. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor if you're concerned about ovarian cancer.

Outcomes:

High CA-125: Further tests are needed to determine the cause. This might involve imaging studies, biopsies, or other blood tests.

Normal CA-125: While reassuring, it doesn't rule out ovarian cancer entirely, especially in the early stages.

A high CA-125 doesn't automatically mean you have cancer. Several benign conditions can also elevate levels. However, if you experience symptoms like pelvic pain, bloating, difficulty urinating, or unexplained weight loss, discuss them with your doctor.

Consult an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) for discussions about ovarian cancer risk factors and the appropriateness of a CA-125 test. If a high level is found, they can help investigate the cause and recommend next steps.