A 52-year-old woman undergoes evaluation for a pelvic mass. Serum CA-125 is markedly elevated. CA-125 is a glycoprotein antigen most characteristically used as a serum marker for which malignancy?
- A Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary ✓
- B Endometrial adenocarcinoma
- C Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix
- D Cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Correct answer: A. Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary
Explanation
CA-125 is expressed by coelomic epithelium derivatives and is the standard serum marker for epithelial ovarian carcinoma, especially serous type. It is used to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence, though it lacks sensitivity and specificity for screening because it also rises in menstruation, pregnancy, peritonitis, and cirrhosis. Endometrial and cervical cancers are monitored by other markers, and appendiceal mucinous tumors are followed by CEA and CA 19-9.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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