Evaluation of CA 19-9 levels in ovarian dermoid cysts

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the CA 19-9 levels in ovarian dermoid cysts. Material and Methods: Tumor markers and clinicopathologic features of 114 patients, treated between 2006-2010 in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Education and Research Hospital were evaluated retrospectively. All patients pathology reports revealed mature cystic teratoma. Patients evaluated according to the CA 19-9 levels (group1: normal, group2: high). Age, tumors size, bilaterality and CA19-9 levels were studied. Results: Mean age of the patients was 40.7 ± 12.3 (20-75). Nine patients (%12.5) were at postmenopausal ages. Tumor diameters were between 2-25 cm. Mean serum CA 19-9 level was 39.2 ± 76.8 U/mL, mean serum CA 125 level was 23.8 ± 29.1 U/ml, mean serum AFP level was 1.8 ± 1.5 ng/mL, mean serum CEA level was 1.7 ± 1.5 ng/mL and mean serum CA 15-3 was 15.3 ± 6.7 U/mL. CA 19-9 levels were the highest marker among patients (%19.4). Differences in mean age, tumor diameters and tumor marker levels excluded CA 19-9, were not statistically significant between two groups. Conclusion: Ca19-9 is the most frequent tumor marker detected high in mature cystic teratoma patients. Yet it is not sufficient alone for diagnosis. Tumor size and bilaterality is not correlated to the tumor marker levels. Copyright © 2011 by Türkiye Klinikleri.