Diagnostic Accuracy of CA 19-9 in Ovarian Malignancy

• Published in: Indian journal of gynecologic oncology 2024-06, Vol.22 (2), Article 73
• Main Authors: Thomas, Dhanya Susan, Sebastian, Ajit, Thomas, Vinotha, Thomas, Anitha, Chandy, Rachel George, Peedicayil, Abraham
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oncology; Original Article; Surgical Oncology
• ISSN: 2363-8397; 2363-8400
• DOI: 10.1007/s40944-024-00829-6

Purpose To study the pattern of serum CA19-9 in adnexal masses and its accuracy in diagnosing malignancy. Methods A cross-sectional study of 267 women with an adnexal mass, who underwent CA 19-9 testing prior to surgery. Descriptive statistics and diagnostic test characteristics were used. Results There were 115 benign, 13 borderline and 139 malignant cases. CA 19-9 was elevated in 68 patients (25.5%) when a cut-off of 33 IU/ml was considered. Among the benign, borderline and malignant tumours, 26, 38.5 and 23.7%, respectively, had elevated CA 19-9. Among patients with benign tumours, CA 19-9 was elevated in 48% of the dermoids, 29.6% of the mucinous tumours and 15.9% of the others. There were 131 epithelial (34 mucinous, 97 non-mucinous types), 18 non-epithelial tumours and three metastatic to the ovaries. CA19-9 was raised in 30 (26.1%) of benign, five (38.5%) borderline and 33 (23.7%) of malignant tumours. Elevated CA 19-9 was seen in 15 (34.1%) of the mucinous type, 32 (23.5%) of the non-mucinous type and 21 (27.3%) of the non-epithelial tumours. Conclusion CA 19-9 is most likely to be raised in ovarian mucinous tumours and dermoid cysts. It is not a good test for malignant ovarian tumours.