Preoperative and postoperative CA-125 serum levels in primary fallopian tube carcinoma

Levels of CA-125 were determined pre- and postoperatively in 13 patients with fallopian tube cancer. Values before surgery were significantly higher (Median 1220 IU/ml, 90-5000 IU/ml) compared with postoperative levels (Median 194 IU/ml, 67-880 IU/ml) (P = 0.0052). Correlation analysis with FIGO stage and grading failed to show any statistical significance, but a trend for a positive correlation with FIGO stage and preoperative values could be observed. The CA-125 antigen is expressed by fallopian tube carcinoma and should therefore be used in diagnosis and follow-up.