An Aid to USMLE

Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) interpretations:

Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is released by cells from the peritoneum and müllerian structures (eg, uterus, Fallopian tubes).
Conditions that irritate or stimulate these cells (eg, endometriosis, malignancy) cause elevations in this level; therefore, a CA-125 level is not used in premenopausal women because it is often falsely elevated.
Although it is not diagnostic of ovarian cancer (ie, histopathologic diagnosis required), CA-125 testing in postmenopausal women helps further categorize simple-appearing masses as either benign or malignant.

1. Simple masses with a normal CA-125 suggest that the mass is not growing and is not stimulating the peritoneal tissue, meaning it is likely benign. These are managed with observation and serial ultrasounds.

2. In contrast, simple masses with an elevated CA-125 suggest that the mass is growing and is either stimulating the peritoneal tissue or invading other pelvic structures, likely indicating malignancy. Further imaging (eg, CT scan) is used to assess the extent of disease and guide management (eg, laparoscopic surgical exploration)

Dr. Ataullah's Tutorial

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USMLE Discussion

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