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Testing of CA-125 blood levels has been proposed as useful in treating ovarian cancer. While the test can give useful information for women already known to have ovarian cancer, CA-125 testing has not been found useful as a screening method because of the uncertain correlation between CA-125 levels and cancer. [19]
Additionally, a blood test may be taken before surgery to check for elevated CA-125, a tumour marker, which is often found in increased levels in ovarian cancer, although it can also be elevated by other conditions resulting in a large number of false positives. [34]
Specific follow-up depends on, for example, the type and stage of ovarian cancer, the treatment, and the presence of any symptoms. Usually, a check-up appointment is made about every 2 to 3 months initially, followed by twice per year for up to 5 years. [121] For epithelial ovarian cancers, the most common test upon follow-up is CA-125 level.
People with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are recommended to have a transvaginal ultrasound 1-2 times per year. Screening with CA-125 is also recommended.. Prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes to prevent cancer) is recommended at age 35-40 for people with BRCA1 mutations and at age 40-45 for people with BRCA2 mutations. [6]
No screening test is wholly specific, and a high level of tumor marker can still be found in benign tumors. The only tumor marker currently used in screening is PSA (prostate-specific antigen). Diagnostics; Tumor markers alone can't be used for diagnostic purposes, due to lack of sensitivity and specificity. [5]
Reference ranges (reference intervals) for blood tests are sets of values used by a health professional to interpret a set of medical test results from blood samples. Reference ranges for blood tests are studied within the field of clinical chemistry (also known as "clinical biochemistry", "chemical pathology" or "pure blood chemistry"), the ...
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The CEA blood test is not reliable for diagnosing cancer or as a screening test for early detection of cancer. [8] Most types of cancer do not result in a high CEA level. [9] Serum from individuals with colorectal carcinoma often has higher levels of CEA than healthy individuals (above approximately 2.5ng/mL). [10]