What is the significance of finding elevated CA-125 in a patient suspected of having ovarian cancer?

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Finding elevated CA-125 levels in a patient suspected of having ovarian cancer is significant as it aids in the diagnostic process, providing valuable information about the likelihood of malignancy, but it is not definitive for making a diagnosis. CA-125 is a tumor marker that is often elevated in various conditions, particularly in epithelial ovarian cancers. While a markedly elevated CA-125 level can suggest a higher probability of malignancy, it is important to note that this marker can also be elevated in benign conditions, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even normal physiological states like menstruation and pregnancy.

In the context of ovarian tumors, CA-125 is particularly useful for guiding the workup and management of suspected malignancies, but it is not specific to cancer and cannot confirm the presence of any tumor type—benign or malignant. Therefore, while elevated CA-125 levels warrant further investigation, including imaging or additional testing, the result must be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's clinical picture and other diagnostic findings. It serves as a supportive indicator rather than a definitive diagnostic tool.

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