Elevated CA125 is seen in?

Appeared in: PGIMER NO - 2020

Explanation

CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is the primary tumor marker used in the diagnosis and management of epithelial ovarian cancer.
It is a glycoprotein that is elevated in approximately 75-80% of women with advanced ovarian cancer.
Clinically, it is most valuable for monitoring a patient's response to therapy and for detecting disease recurrence after treatment.
While not specific enough for general screening, a significantly elevated level in a symptomatic postmenopausal woman is highly suggestive of ovarian cancer.

Option A: The primary tumor markers for bladder cancer are Nuclear Matrix Protein 22 (NMP22) and Bladder Tumor Antigen (BTA), not CA-125.
Option C: The main tumor markers for cervical cancer are Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) antigen and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA). CA-125 is not a primary marker for this cancer.
Option D: The standard and most specific tumor marker for pancreatic cancer is CA 19-9. While CA-125 can be elevated in some cases, it is not the primary marker.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Tumor markers and their associated malignancies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education regarding tumor markers, explaining that they are tools for monitoring rather than definitive diagnostic tests on their own.
It is important to understand the limitations of CA-125, as its elevation in benign conditions (e.g., endometriosis, PID, pregnancy) can cause significant patient anxiety if not properly contextualized.
A nurse should be aware that a rising CA-125 level in a patient previously treated for ovarian cancer is a significant finding that may indicate disease recurrence and requires prompt reporting to the physician.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question stem, which is 'CA-125'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of common oncological biomarkers.
Access your memory or knowledge base regarding tumor markers and their primary associations.
Systematically evaluate each option. Recall that CA-125 is most famously linked with ovarian cancer.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their specific markers: bladder cancer (NMP22), cervical cancer (SCC antigen), and pancreatic cancer (CA 19-9).
Confirm that 'Cancer of ovary' is the best and most direct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QrSkVsrIWlQVDlMgpmTWtx

E6 Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry2023 (pp 26-793 of 813) p. 693-695

E6 Gynecology Williams pp. 320-393, 232-279

Practise the full PGIMER NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.