Benign gynecologic conditions associated with a CA-125 level > 1,000 U/mL. A case report.
BACKGROUND
CA-125 was initially investigated as a marker of ovarian cancer. However, various studies have noted that it can be minimally elevated in benign conditions.


METHODS
A case of CA-125 > 1,000 U/mL was associated with benign gynecologic conditions. A 37-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis and premature ovarian failure underwent hormonal therapy for donor in vitro fertilization. After an unsuccessful cycle, severe dysmenorrhea developed. Investigation revealed a CA-125 level of 1,036 U/mL and a uterine mass. On exploratory laparotomy, cystic adenomyosis and uterine endometriosis was found. After excision of these areas, the CA-125 levels returned to normal. In this case, cystic adenomyosis and endometriosis of the uterine serosa were responsible for the elevated CA-125 level.


CONCLUSIONS
Very high levels of CA-125 are not always associated with a malignant process.
Kammerer-Doak
D N
DN
Section of Gynecologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.
Magrina
J F
JF
Nemiro
J S
JS
Lidner
T K
TK
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000276:immunology; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D018394:CA-125 Antigen; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones