Comparison of biochemical markers between benign and malignant ovarian cysts

To investigate the presumption that earlier diagnosis of ovarian tumors might lead to an improved outcome, we compared several substances in the fluid of benign and malignant ovarian cysts. Our results showed the following: (1) benign cysts were readily separated from malignant cysts on the basis of total lactate dehydrogenase (LD) activity and except for mucinous cysts, by their isoenzyme patterns. (2) Preoperative serum total LD activity and LD isoenzymes were of no diagnostic help in predicting the malignant tumors. (3) Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels usually differed greatly between benign and malignant cysts, although the benign mucinous cysts had CEA levels indistinguishable from malignant cysts. (4) Prominent quantitative differences between Roche and Abbott CEA activity were present in both benign and malignant cysts. (5) Preoperative serum CEA levels were not helpful in differentiating the benign from the malignant cysts.