CA 19-9 in Ovarian Immature Teratoma- A Potential Tumour Marker or A Masquerade?

Abstract

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9, also known as Cancer Antigen (CA 19-9) is a tumour marker found elevated in certain ovarian tumours. Although, reports of its association with mature teratoma are considerable, little is mentioned about its association with immature teratoma. This could be attributed to immature teratoma being a rare tumour with only a few studies on its tumour markers. Authors present the case of a 24-year-old female presenting with ovarian immature teratoma who also showed unusually high serum levels of CA 19-9 which reduced drastically after surgery. This association therefore may warrant further investigations to establish the clinical relevance and its importance in future.

Keywords

• abdominopelvic mass
• adjuvant chemotherapy
• carbohydrate antigen 19-9
• multiloculated solid-cystic lesion