Tumor marker CA 125 level and ovarian volume at different cycle day periods and in postmenopause

The value of using CA 125 for screening of ovarian carcinoma is still under debate. It is important to be aware of possible physiological variation in serum levels of this antigen. This study aimed at finding out whether there were any differences in CA 125 levels in serum at different cycle day periods of fertile women and postmenopausal women. In 106 women, CA 125 and ovarian volume were measured at different cycle day periods and in postmenopausal women. The highest levels were found in cycle day (CD) 1-9, i.e. 22 units/ml and the lowest in postmenopausal women i.e. 6.7 units/ml. No correlation could be found between the CA 125 levels and ovarian volume as measured by vaginal sonography.