Hi there I have been suffering with stomach and pelvix pain for about 2 weeks now. Also bowel changes but think that's part of IBS. I had blood tests and doctor rang today to say CA125 levels were slightly raised. I am waiting an ultrasound but so scared it could be cancer! I read that it can show other cancers too & noticed last few days both my nipples been inverted. I've always had one but not 2.
Can anymore shred anymore, hopefully positive thoughts/advice on the CA125 levels. The pain is in pelvic area, down left hand side and around back 😔
Thanku
Slightly elevated is nothing to worry about. It is when it is REALLY elevated that you need to worry. A normal woman's CA-125 level is 35, I was told that my CA-125 levels were 'slightly elevated' and they were 52. The Dr said when we are talking about the c word, it's in the hundreds!! Did the Dr tell you what yours were?
when is your scan?
And your pain definitely sounds like a cyst! Exactly the same pain I had...
Pain sounds like could be a cyst which is usually beninge but still shows elevated levels. This is a highly inaccurate test which is affected by many things
Hi I wasn't told exactly what level just that it was slightly raised. I'm really worried as think pain worse cos on my period but even now I've finished I've for all pain across my upper abdomen, radiating round my back and kind of stitch like side pain. I have read that CA125 test can pick up other cancers and my mom had breast cancer at my age, so scared 
Hi becky my doc didn't tell me what level just was slightly raised. I am so stated as I know that test can show other cancers. My mom got breast cancer at my age. I've got back pain more now, down sides and across upper abdomen. I am goin to ring today to see when can get ultrasound as waiting in them to assess referral. I work at the hospital which is a bonus I guess. Just want to feel better
I also suffer with reflux and poss IBS so not sure if any connection but I doubt that would show up on CA test would it?
It is of little use as a diagnostic test due to it being affected by many other things, think IBS may be one. How long since blood test and do you know when scan be done, reason I ask is we have a timed pathway for suspected cancer?
I will not tell you not to be scared as I myself have been there. It may help you to know though that I just had op to remove cysts but nothing bad seen even though CA125 test very high and not just slightly raised.
It is no doubt your family history that is making them cautious. Have you had the blood test for the BRCA1 gene which is the marker for a tendancy to breast cancer that runs in families, think this or another test may also screen for ovarian cancer risk.
Wishing I could reach out and hug you
Taz xxx
It can show others but it usually shows others that have originated in the ovary and spread. It would also have a number in the hundreds in this case. I'd definitely chase up the scan as from my experiences it definitely helps to keep on their case...you should have no trouble if you work in the hospital! 😝
Try not to worry either (I know this is ridiculously hard!) They can tell if something looks suspicious from the scans so if they even slightly think that you may have something suspect they will have you in for surgery faster than you know it.
Also, have a look online under CA-125, it's notoriously unreliable as even where you are in your cycle can affect the result. They will likely repeat it again in a few weeks. Have you made an apppointment to see your Dr about your breast?
Positive vibes coming your way!!!
All I can do is add my own experience. I had a TAH a month ago and during all the tests and scans had a CA125 test- 2 in fact, as the docs didn't trust the first one which had come back high at 228. They thought my cysts were benign, but because of the blood test result they decided to go down the TAH route. It turned out that my cysts were benign and there was no sign of anything suspicious anywhere in my tummy or thorax.
So all I can say (and my consultant agreed) is that a raised CA125 isn't necessarily a definite indication that you have cancer. Its useful for ladies who DO have it as a way to see if treatment is working, but is not reliable as a diagnostic tool.
I really sympathise with what you are going through. Its just the worst thing, and I was never so stressed or down in all my life as I was in the few months between the first scan and the operation. And the main cause of my worry was this test. I do wonder why they even do it actually, as there are so many other factors which give a raised level.-even cysts themselves.
Good luck with your treatment. I'm sending you all my best wishes for a great outcome
Hi tax
Had bloods done Thursday last week and doc rang with results yesterday. I rang radiology & they already had referral and said was marked urgent. Soctor said wasn't duly concerned but why mark it urgent 😔 do u mind me asking ur symptoms when u had cyst?
I was told had one on ovaries few years ago but was never checked since. I've had lower pelvix pain, pain down both sides now & backache. Just under my breast bone but like indigestion. So worried that it's all over and not In one spot? 😔 x
Hi becky
They looked and my form hasn't been assessed yet but it's marked as urgent 😳 doc said wasnt duly concerned but y mark it urgent 😔 I'm still on my period so not sure if pain linked as dnt usually suffer. I've had indigestion type feeling all across my upper abdomen, back pain and pelvic pain. Even my legs feel weak at times!
I've got. Form to complete for breast family clinic so sorting that today. So scared it's going to b somethg sinister 😢 thanku for ur support.
Urgent is recomended in this case and means nothing, procederal only.
My symptoms were constipation and a frequent need to wee,difficulty' period changes - they became longer, heavier and more painful, feeling full quickly so eating less than normal and extreme tiredness, but can also cause the pain you describe, mine was severe pain in my lower back.
Because of the nervous system pain can be in many places and because ovarian cysts often press on surronding structures and nerves pain all over and not in one spot is the norm rather than the exception.Many cyst though do not have symptoms and are picked up by accident when scan done for another reason. Mine found in 2011 but ignored, then got symptoms this year so referred and op done.
Ah thanku. It does help. It's funny because I've read about ppl with these symptoms and 2 have said it turned out to b IBS! Which docs have told me in the past I mayb prone to it. I also have reflux so mayb all connected but u can't help but think the worse and having had constant tum pain for I've 2 weeks bothers me. My periods are pretty much regular altho sometimes can go 2 mths without one. Pre-menopause could also b a sign I guess but not having constant tum pain I wouldn't have thgt? 😕
That's a long time inbetween isn't it. Think I was told cyst on ovary bout 3-4 years ago. Who knows mayb it's got bigger? It's the persistent stomach ache and now back pain I'm having. I kind of feel heavy below at times and the psin across my upper abdomen is horrible 😔
The GP at the time was old school and as it is common saw no need to refer even though it was recommended,(virtually all women who are menstrating get one at some time in their life, I still was, and 1 in 5 menopausal women get one). They had retired and a locum picked up on it.
Some women say feel or look pregnant, others complain of dragging, fullness,bloating and indegestion, breathlessness, pelvic pain, etc as can press on the stomach, bowel, diaphram etc
Yes been bit breathless too but I put it down to reflux? To b honest I've been treated for reflux, suggested possibl IBS and anxiety! I'm not an anxious person but have not felt right since having a nasty viral infection back in feb. Just feel rubbish all the time and nothing has made me feel any better. Jut changed reflux tabs but dnt thk working still. Yes tum is bloated. Pain also between shoulder blades now but as u say if it is cyst and pressing on somethg it could b nerve related? Let's hope so 😔 thanku for all your support. I have good this forum really helpful and reassuring 😊
Hi chrissie
Can I just ask oneore question. Did u have a lot of upper abdomen pain, like just below ur breast bone. It's really hurt since last night and pain inbetween shoulder blades says about oesphogal cancer 😳😔
Could be nerve related as one of the nerves for the shoulder blades and also for the top of the shoulder passes through this area. This is the reason that women who have an operation in this area often have shoulder pain. I didn't before but after the nerve was irritated for about 12hrs before it settled.
Big hug xxx
Reflux can do that, get it with the medication I'm on
Thanks tax. Uve wen really helpful. Really appreciate your advice and have made me think rationally! I will await scan and see how it goes 😊 thanku