[Determination of beta 2 microglobulin in malignant tumors of the ovaries]

Beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) is used as a tumour marker in some malignant diseases. The authors assessed the concentration of beta 2-MG in serum of 30 patients with malignant ovarian tumours and in 29 patients with other benign gynaecological diseases, in particular benign ovarian tumours. Although raised values of beta 2-MG were found in ovarian carcinomas, as compared with the control group of non-malignant gynaecological diseases, a statistically significant increase was recorded only in carcinomas grade III and IV.