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

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.