Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries and the third most common gynecologic malignancy in developing countries (cervical cancer is the most common) [1].Estimation of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels and transvaginal sonography are the best and most frequently recommended methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer [2,3,4]. HE4 and CA72-4 determination is the best approach to confirm the benign nature of ovarian endometrioma in women with high CA125 levels. [5]
Clinical Significance
when measured together with other tumoral markers (such as CA19.9 or CEA)CA125 was assessed by numerous investigators regarding its utility as a marker of stage, disease status, prognosis or even in the screening of ovarian cancer. [6]
HE4 is the most useful marker for the differ-ential diagnosis between EOC and ovarian endometriosis[7]. Different studies propose the use of a Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the combined use of both HE4 and CA125 in patients with abdominal masses.[8]
CA 72-4 is a tumor marker for gastrointestinal cancer and ovarian cancer. Compared with CA125, the positive rate of CA72-4 is higher in mucinous ovarian cancer. The combination of the two tumor makers can improve the diagnostic sensitivity of ovarian cancer.