Cirrhotic ascites, ovarian carcinoma, and CA-125

We describe two postmenopausal women with ascites and elevated CA-125 level , a serologic marker used to detect ovarian cancer. Both patients had unrec ognized liver disease but underwent surgical exploration for suspected ovar ian disease, which subsequently revealed benign pelvic organs. Elevated ser um CA-125 levels have been reported in many patients with ascites due to li ver disease and cirrhosis. Thus, the presence of both ascites and an elevat ed CA-125 level mandates a thorough evaluation for liver disease as well as for a possibility of ovarian carcinoma. These cases outline the common fin ding and provide insight into the management of patients with ascites and e levated CA-125 values.