BENIGN GYNECOLOGIC CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A CA-125 LEVEL GREATER-THAN-1,000 U ML - A CASE-REPORT/

BACKGROUND: CA-125 was initially investigated as a marker of ovarian c ancer. However, various studies have noted that it can be minimally el evated in benign conditions. CASE: A case of CA-125 > 1,000 U/mL was a ssociated with benign gynecologic conditions. A 37-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis and premature ovarian failure underwent ho rmonal therapy for donor in vitro fertilization. After an unsuccessful cycle, severe dysmenorrhea developed. In Investigation revealed a CA- 125 level of 1,036 U/mL and a uterine mass. On exploratory laparotomy, cystic adenomyosis and uterine endometriosis were found. After excisi on of these areas, the CA-125 levels returned to normal. In this case, cystic adenomyosis and endometriosis of the uterine serosa were respo nsible for the elevated CA-125 level. CONCLUSION: Very high levels of CA-125 are not always associated with a malignant process.