Oncofetal antigens in ovarian cyst fluids

The levels of five oncofetal antigens were measured in ovarian cyst fluids. Significantly raised levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), human chorionic gonadotropin, beta 2-microglobulin, and alpha-fetoprotein were found in ovarian cyst samples. Human placental lactogen was not detectable in any samples. Mucinous cyst fluids demonstrated higher levels of CEA than serous fluids in both malignant and benign conditions. We could not distinguish between malignant and benign conditions with any of the markers. Except for CEA, there is no difference in values between mucinous and serous cystadenocarcinomas.