The value of estimating CA 125 in fluids from benign or malignant cysts, in the exudate and blood serum in women with ovarian cancer.

CA 125 levels were estimated by immunoenzymatic technique: in fluids obtained by puncturing benign ovarian cysts under guidance of USG and in the patients' sera (23 cases); in serum and in ascites of 39 ovarian cancer patients at the IIIrd or IV th stage of clinical advance; in the content of malignant tumors in the course of surgery (in 16 of the above listed patients). Ca 125 level was significantly lower in the content of benign Cysts as compared to malignant ones. CA 125 level higher than 1000/ml pointed to a malignant process. Both in serum and in ascites, more advanced tumors and tumors showing progression manifested higher levels of the marker than less advanced tumors and tumors characterized as stable disease. In the group of patients analysis of CA 125 levels provided less information on the disease course than in individual cases.