High HE4 (human epididymis protein 4): what it means
A HE4 (human epididymis protein 4) result above the normal range is considered high. Here is what a raised HE4 (human epididymis protein 4) can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.
Reference range: ~<70–140 pmol/L depending on menopausal status; used WITH CA-125 (the ROMA score) to gauge the risk that an ovarian mass is cancer, not as a stand-alone screen
Understand your full resultWhat a high HE4 (human epididymis protein 4) can mean
- Ovarian cancer — the main clinical use; a raised HE4 with CA-125 (in the ROMA score) increases the estimated risk that an ovarian mass is malignant.
- Kidney impairment — can raise HE4 independently of cancer.
- Smoking — modestly raises it.
- Some other cancers (e.g. lung, endometrial) — less commonly. Unlike CA-125, it is usually NOT raised by endometriosis, fibroids or menstruation.
When to discuss with a doctor
HE4 is a specialist tool for characterising an ovarian mass that has already been found, not a screening test to 'check for ovarian cancer' in a woman with no symptoms or mass. Used with CA-125 and menopausal status in the ROMA score, it helps decide the level of cancer risk and whether referral to a gynaecological cancer centre is warranted. A raised result is interpreted alongside imaging and the clinical picture, and can have benign explanations such as kidney impairment. Mediora.AI shows HE4 alongside CA-125 and the other tumour markers so it is read in context; the ovarian-mass assessment and any ROMA calculation belong with your gynaecologist.
Conditions this can relate to
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Upload your test - freeMediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.