Does sinus cold with congestion affect the Ca-125 levels?
Patient: 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 Doctor: Hi,Thanks for writing in.Cancer antigen 125 is a substance that is produced in the ovary, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and the lining 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.