Endometriosis Panel

Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder in which tissue lining the uterus starts growing outside the uterus in sites such as the fallopian tube, ovaries, etc. This test measures the level of IL-6 and CA125 in the blood. IL-6 is an inflammatory marker that is known to be elevated in endometriosis. CA-125 is a protein that is also found to be elevated in certain disorders including endometriosis as well as other cancers. The symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, discomfort during bowel movements, and lower back pain.

NOTE:

1. Tumor Markers (like CA125, PSA, CEA, etc) are specialized tests and values should be interpreted by experts (clinicians) in the concerned field.
2. Tumor markers are substances (or proteins) present in the blood that help in the detection of tumors in high-risk cases, monitor the course of disease, and monitor response to therapy/ surgery.
3. This test should not be used alone for the diagnosis of cancer as both false positives and false negatives can occur. 
4. Most tumor markers lack sensitivity, particularly for early-stage disease which may result in false negative tests. Values can be normal during the early stages of the disease and hence a normal value does not rule out the possibility of cancer.
5. Tumor markers also lack specificity for a particular cancer, and there are numerous non-malignant (benign) conditions in which they may be increased which may result in false positive tests. Values may also be elevated in some physiological conditions. 
6. Tumor markers are not recommended as screening markers for asymptomatic individuals or patients with vague symptoms esp. when the population likelihood of cancer is low.
7. Regardless of value, the tumor marker test should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for the presence or absence of malignant disease. A serial testing after a few days is advised to monitor trends. The test value should be used in conjunction with clinical history, clinical examination, and other diagnostic procedures to reach a final diagnosis. 
8. Testing should be avoided in conditions where tumor markers give variable and inaccurate results, e.g. CA125 in women during menstruation and pregnancy, PSA in men with active urinary tract infection 
9. Some procedures may transiently raise levels, e.g. CEA levels after colonoscopy, PSA after digital rectal examination (DRE) or rectal prostatic ultrasonography, CA125 after abdominal surgery. It is advisable to consult your doctor regarding the appropriate timing of the test after such procedures. 
10. Test values may vary depending on the assay method used. Values obtained with different assay methods cannot be used interchangeably. This is specifically more important in serial testing. It is recommended that only one assay method be used consistently to monitor each patient's course of therapy.