[Ovarian cancer--a comparison between CT diagnosis and serum tumor markers]

In 40 patients undergoing pre-treatment for an ovarian tumor, a CT scan of the pelvis and measurements of their CA 125, CA 19-9, IAP (immunosuppressive acidic antigen), and TPA (tissue polypeptide antigen were performed. The specificity and sensitivity of the CT diagnosis was found to be better than any of other tumor markers measurements. Comparison of the 4 markers showed that the CA 125 testing had the greatest sensitivity in detecting an ovarian cancer. Moreover, the sensitivity of CA 125, was better than a combination of the 4 markers. Thus, a CT scan still remains necessary for the diagnosis of an ovarian cancer.