title: CA 125 antigen is an effective diagnostic for external endometriosis.
abstract: We measured serum levels of CA 125 in 26 patients with external endometriosis, using CA 125 RIA Kits. The normal range was instituted below 39 U/ml. The mean CA 125 level (+/- SD) was 55.1 +/- 24.9 U/ml in patients with external endometriosis, the positive rate being 71.4%. Considering the clinical stage of external endometriosis, the mean CA 125 level and positive rate increased to 64.5 +/- 23.2 U/ml and 93.3%, respectively. The CA 125 levels in these patients gradually decreased after surgery and/or Danazol treatment and the levels were below 39 U/ml within four weeks. Thus, progressive external endometriosis can be accurately diagnosed by determining the serum levels of CA 125, and appropriate clinical treatment designed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate; D003613:Danazol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011245:Pregnadienes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate; D011245:Pregnadienes; D003613:Danazol