A serum tumor marker used to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence in epithelial ovarian carcinoma, and also useful in distinguishing ascites due to ovarian malignancy from cirrhotic ascites, is:

• A CA 125 ✓
• B CA 15-3
• C CA 19-9
• D S-100

Explanation

CA 125 is expressed by coelomic epithelium derivatives and is elevated in about 80 percent of epithelial ovarian carcinomas, mainly serous type, serving to monitor therapy response and recurrence rather than for population screening. CA 15-3 tracks breast carcinoma, CA 19-9 is the marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and S-100 marks melanoma and neural tumors. CA 125 can rise modestly in menstruation, pregnancy, peritonitis, and cirrhosis, so mild elevations lack specificity.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.