CancerCompass message board discussion started by elizabeth2 on 8/25/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,15610,0.htm Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I have had symptoms of ovc: mainly bloating, always feeling full, lack of appetite.  My dr. did an xray of my stomach and blood tests (not the CA125 one)  it was the comprehensive metabolic and pancreatic functione ones.  These came back clean.  Does this rule cancer out?  Would some #'s be high on the metablic test if it was cancer?  They have ordered more testing (ultrasound is next) but I am wondering if cancer is ruled out.  elizabeth2 Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT The test your dr administered will not indicate if you have cancer. The ca 125 will determine if you have ovarian ca. Ask your dr to send you for this lab test. If the ultrasound is inclusive you can ask for a ct scan. yavall Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT Depending upon your age, your family history (any close relatives ever have breast or ovarian cancer?), and findings on your physical examination there are a lot of reasons to have the symptoms you are describing.  Cancer is the worst possibility but is not the most common answer.  A basic Xray will not help too much, nor will basic laboratory tests. Also, although a lot of well-meaning people believe that CA125 is a good screening tool for ovarian cancer it most definitely is NOT!!  It can be normal in the presence of cancer, or can be abnormal for lots and lots of reasons that are not cancer. A general recommendation about how much it might help in your situation is impossible to tell from the information you provided.  If you are experiencing continued symptoms like you describe, then further evaluation is prudent.  This may include ultrasound, CT scan, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.  You need to discuss what is next with a trusted doctor, and, if you are not satisfied remember that a second opinion is always reasonable. What you describe is very general and really requires your doctor(s) to piece the information together carefully and logically step-by-step.    Best.Dr Steve (www.gyncancerdoctor.com)  dr Steve Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT