Cirrhotic ascites, ovarian carcinoma, and CA-125

We describe two postmenopausal women with ascites and elevated CA-125 level, a serologic marker used to detect ovarian cancer. Both patients had unrecognized liver disease but underwent surgical exploration for suspected ovarian disease, which subsequently revealed benign pelvic organs. Elevated serum CA-125 levels have been reported in many patients with ascites due to liver disease and cirrhosis. Thus, the presence of both ascites and an elevated CA-125 level mandates a thorough elevation for liver disease as well as for a possibility of ovarian carcinoma. These cases outline the common finding and provide insight into the management of patients with ascites and elevated CA-125 values.