Does Hcg Level Of 8.6 Always Mean Cancer In Menopause?

Posted on Tue, 14 Mar 2023

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 Answered on

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I’m 55 and had a routine elevated hcg level of 8.6. My doctor said although anything below 10 was normal we should investigate. Today I had an ultrasound that showed no masses, cysts or other abnormality. However, it showed mild to moderate free fluid in the pelvis. I’m scared. He’s ordered more tests. Does this always mean cancer in menopause? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No it not cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
I have gone through your history and understand your concerns.
There are so many causes of free fluid in pelvic cavity,like infection, pregnancy complications and fibroid or endometriosis.
As your beta hcg is positive, ectopic pregnancy should be ruled out ?
But before giving any opinion, I want to ask are you still menstruating?
Hope to hear from you soon, feel free to ask more information.
Good luck
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (48 minutes later)

Hi, no, I’m 55 and not menstruating which is why I’m so worried. I thought any fluid after menopause was bad.

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be due to infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
I understand your concerns but confirmation is important, as you are post menopausal female and your ultrasound is perfectly fine ,only this fluid it could be due to infection.
Are you having any symptoms like itching ,discharge and abdominal discomfort.
Hope to hear from you soon
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (2 hours later)

Some diarrhea (two days only), but I’m so anxious and wonder if that’s why. No itching or pain. I’d read that any fluid in the pelvis could be from a malignant source at my age. Or cirrhosis, etc. Is that true? I’m so scared. Thx again. I have no high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. this all started bc my hcg came back at 8.6 after a positive pregnancy test (not pregnant). So my doctor was trying to find out why and did the ultrasound which showed some fluid. So fluid can mean many things and not cancer? Thank you, doctor.

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No it could be due to so many reasons

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your information.
No free fluid is not an indication of cancer ,it could be due to other causes also like I wrote you in previous chats.
But we can go for your MRI pelvis to rule out the other causes of your symptoms.
Hope found useful
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (9 hours later)

Thank you. I should stop googling because all I see is ascites stemming from a cancer source.

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should not do it.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
You should not Google too much ,sometimes it gives you wrong impression also.
Hope found useful
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana