Ca 125

Q: CA 125 is a specific biomarker for ovarian cancer?

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Although CA 125 is well-known as a biomarker for ovarian cancer but can be misleading as there are many other non-gynecological and non-oncological diseases where it can be elevated. Although the list is long, below are the conditions commonly encountered in ICUs

• Ascites
• Appendicular abscess
• Cirrhosis and other liver disease
• Colitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Diverticulitis
• CHF
• MI
• Pancreatitis
• Pericardial disease
• Pleural effusion
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism
• Recent surgery
• Renal insufficiency
• Sarcoidosis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Tuberculosis peritonitis
• Urinary tract infection 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

#ob-gyn

References:

1. Buamah P. Benign conditions associated with raised serum CA-125 concentration. J Surg Oncol 2000; 75:264.

2. Miralles C, Orea M, Espana P, et. al. Cancer antigen 125 associated with multiple benign and malignant pathologies. Ann Surg Oncol 2003; 10:150.

3.Moss EL, Hollingworth J, Reynolds TM. The role of CA125 in clinical practice. J Clin Pathol 2005; 58:308.