Diagnostic value of serum tumor markers evaluation for adnexal masses

Objective. The study aim was to investigate the diagnostic value of preoperative serum tumor markers in patients with adnexal masses. Methods. Study included all (358) consecutive patients treated for adnexal tumors at the Clinic of Ob/Gyn, Clinical Center of Serbia in 12 months. Tumor marker levels (Ca 125, CEA, HE 4, Ca 19.9, and Ca 15.3), taken from all women on admission, were compared with postoperative histopathological findings of extracted tumors. Results. Women with malignant tumors had the highest levels of Ca 125, CEA, and HE 4 (p<0.01). Mucinous adenocarcinoma produced the highest amounts of Ca 19.9 and CEA. Ca 15.3 was the highest in women with endometrioid carcinoma. There were no significant differences in the levels of all examined tumor markers (p>0.05) between women with benign and borderline tumors. Ca 125, HE 4, and Ca 15.3 can discriminate the malignant from other tumor types well. The highest sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (91.04%, 87.6%, 67.9%, 77.2%, respectively) were achieved for the combination of Ca 125 and HE 4. Conclusions. Blood levels of examined tumor markers can be good predictors of the adnexal masses nature. For the most precise evaluation the combination of serum tumor markers should be used.