Extremely elevated serum CA-125 concentration in patient with unruptured endometrioma A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Oh, Hee Suk; Chough, Soo Yong; Park, Yong Kyun; Saw, Ho Suk; Kim, Chul Hwan; Hur, Jun Young

Case Report

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2002;45(2):318-322.
Published online February 1, 2002.

Extremely elevated serum CA-125 concentration in patient with unruptured endometrioma A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Hee Suk Oh, Soo Yong Chough, Yong Kyun Park, Ho Suk Saw, Chul Hwan Kim, Jun Young Hur

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guro Hospital, College of medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
²Department of Pathology, Guro Hospital, College of medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

CA-125 is an antigenic determinant expressed by more than 80% epithelial ovarian cancer. Although developed for use in the diagnosis and monitoring of epithelial ovarian cancer, elevations of CA-125 concentrations can also be associated with some normal physiologic conditions, various other malignancies and benign conditions. Adnexal cysts are frequently encountered during the reproductive years. 10 to 35% of benign cystic adnexal masses may be an endometrioma. Because endometriomas are not likely to resolve spontaneously, and may enlarge or rupture during period of observation, a test to detect an endometrioma would assist in the evaluation and management of adnexal cysts. Serum CA-125 concentration is seldom >100 U/ml in endometriosis. We reported a patient with endometrioma presenting with a very high CA-125 concentration, which may confuse diagnosis with ovarian cancer.

Key Words: CA-125, Endometriosis