CA-125

Term: CA-125Definition: CA-125 is a protein biomarker that can be elevated in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, which is often linked to asbestos exposure.Phonetic Pronunciation: (see-AY-twelve-five)Origin: The term CA-125 originates from the field of oncology, where "CA" stands for "cancer antigen," and "125" refers to the specific antigen identified in research. This biomarker was first identified in the 1980s as part of efforts to develop diagnostic tools for cancer detection.Significance in Asbestos Context: CA-125 is significant in the context of asbestos exposure because elevated levels of this biomarker can indicate the presence of mesothelioma, a cancer strongly associated with asbestos. It is used as a diagnostic tool to help identify and monitor the progression of asbestos-related diseases, aiding in early detection and treatment planning.Example Sentence: "The doctor ordered a CA-125 test to assess whether the patient's symptoms could be related to asbestos-induced mesothelioma."Related Terms: Biomarker, Mesothelioma, Ovarian Cancer, Asbestos Exposure, Diagnostic TestNotes: - CA-125 is not specific to asbestos-related diseases and can be elevated in other conditions as well. - It is typically used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods for a more accurate assessment. - Regular monitoring of CA-125 levels can help track the effectiveness of treatment in asbestos-related cancer cases.