Highly elevated CA125 and tubo-ovarian abscess mimicking ovarian carcinoma

Elevated serum CA125 levels may be caused by any condition which produces peritoneal irritation as well as by the presence of various malignancies. This report of a case with atypical presentation of tubo-ovarian abscess and CA125 level of 1,160 U/ml serves to re-emphasize cautious operative planning in patients desirous of reproductive capability in the face of findings highly consistent with probable malignancy. This is the highest reported serum CA125 level in a reproductive age woman with well-documented reversible benign disease.