CA-125 · high result
What does a high CA-125 mean?
Short answer
CA-125 is raised in most advanced ovarian cancers, which is why it is used to monitor treatment — but it is also raised by menstruation, pregnancy, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease and any fluid in the abdomen or chest. In premenopausal women a mildly high value is far more often benign than malignant. After menopause, a high CA-125 with a pelvic mass on ultrasound is evaluated urgently.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- High CA-125 with a pelvic mass, rapid abdominal swelling or unexplained weight loss — prompt gynecologic oncology evaluation
What is the normal range for CA-125?
- age 18+: 0.000 – 35.0 U/mL
Most often monitored in known ovarian cancer. Many benign causes — interpretation requires clinical context.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: CA-125 biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high CA-125?
- Endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease
- Menstruation (draw after day 5), pregnancy
- Liver disease, ascites, pleural effusion, heart failure
- Ovarian, endometrial, fallopian tube and some other cancers
- Recent abdominal surgery
What symptoms go with high CA-125?
- Bloating, pelvic pressure, early fullness, urinary frequency — the ovarian cancer symptoms to take seriously if persistent
- Often none
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Pelvic ultrasound — the essential next step
- Repeat CA-125 outside menstruation in 4–6 weeks
- Gynecology referral; gyn-oncology when postmenopausal with a mass
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: CA 19-9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker) ($28.99).
How do you recheck CA-125?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Cancer Screening Panel | Panel · 12 tests | $299.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker) | Test | $34.99 | No | 2–4 business days |
Common questions
Is CA-125 a good ovarian cancer screening test?
Not in average-risk women — too many false positives and it misses early disease. It is used with ultrasound in high-risk women and to monitor known cancer.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.