My wife was diagnosed 3 years ago with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. Things have been going well. Her recent ca-125 done yesterday was 58, up from 38 in late Feb. She has been fighting a major sinus cold, with congestion amd mucus, could this affect the Ca-125 level
Hi, Thanks for writing in. Cancer antigen 125 is a substance that is produced in the ovary, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities (the pleura and the peritoneum). The CA 125 level measures a sugar protein that may be released when cells are inflamed or damaged. CA 125 levels under 35 KU/ml are considered normal. Since the CA 125 rise can occur in inflammation therefore a common cold and sinusitis can certainly cause a slight rise in the level. I suggest that she takes treatment for the sinusitis and repeats the CA 125 level after a month when she is free of symptoms. This will help guide her during the next follow-up visit with the oncologist. Please do not worry.