HE4 (Human Epididymis Protein-4) With ROMA Index (For Epithelial Ovarian Cancer) Test

A healthcare professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis of HE4 and CA-125 levels. The ROMA Index is then calculated using these levels and information on the woman's menopausal status.

The ROMA Index classifies patients into high-risk and low-risk groups for epithelial ovarian cancer. A high ROMA Index may indicate an increased risk of ovarian cancer, while a low ROMA Index indicates a lower risk. However, this test is not definitive and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools.

Combining the ROMA Index with HE4 increases the sensitivity and specificity of detecting epithelial ovarian cancer, especially in the early stages, compared to using CA-125 or HE4 alone.

If your ROMA Index is high, it is important to consult an oncologist. Additional diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies, may be needed to further evaluate the risk or presence of ovarian cancer.

For women at high risk of ovarian cancer due to family history or other factors, this test can be part of a regular monitoring program to detect the disease at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

The HE4 with ROMA Index test is not definitive on its own. Other conditions can also affect HE4 and CA-125 levels. The test should be used in combination with other diagnostic tools and clinical evaluation.

Yes, the test can be used to monitor response to treatment in women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer.

There is no specific preparation needed for the test. However, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.

The test involves a standard blood draw, which may cause mild discomfort or bruising at the site of the needle insertion.

Both HE4 and CA-125 are used as tumor markers for ovarian cancer. However, CA-125 is more commonly used, while HE4 is considered more specific for ovarian cancer. Combining them with the ROMA Index increases the predictive accuracy.

If the test results are abnormal, additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be recommended by your doctor to evaluate the cause of elevated levels.

Coverage for the HE4 with ROMA Index test may vary depending on your health insurance plan. It’s best to contact your insurance provider to determine if the test is covered.

Yes, factors such as certain medications, other medical conditions, and recent surgeries can affect the levels of HE4 and CA-125.

Understanding your risk for epithelial ovarian cancer is an important aspect of managing your health. The HE4 with ROMA Index test is an innovative tool that combines two important markers with menopausal status to more accurately assess the risk of ovarian cancer. Regular monitoring and early detection are key to successful treatment if cancer is present. Consult your doctor for more information and to understand how this test fits into your overall health strategy.