In a patient with a large multiloculated ovarian mass suspected to be a mucinous carcinoma, which serum marker provides better correlation with tumour burden than CA-125?
- A LDH
- B CA 19-9 ✓
- C Beta-hCG
- D AFP
Correct answer: B. CA 19-9
Explanation
Mucinous ovarian carcinomas express gastrointestinal-type antigens, so CA 19-9 and CEA correlate better with disease extent than CA-125, which performs poorly in mucinous histology. This matters both preoperatively and during follow-up, since a rising CA 19-9 may signal recurrence when CA-125 remains normal. LDH is a marker of dysgerminoma, beta-hCG of choriocarcinoma, and AFP of yolk sac tumour.
Reference: Williams Gynecology, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.