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Ovarian Cancer: Recognizing Early Pelvic Pain Signs and the Importance of CA-125 for Timely Diagnosis

Medical consultation between a middle-aged Hispanic female doctor and a Hispanic patient, where the doctor empathetically explains the female reproductive system using a tablet. The scene emphasizes the importance of recognizing early signs of ovarian cancer, such as pelvic pain, and the role of the CA-125 marker in timely diagnosis.

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of gynecological cancer mortality among women worldwide. Early detection is crucial, as prognosis improves significantly when diagnosed at initial stages. However, symptoms are often nonspecific and can be confused with other benign conditions. Recognizing early pelvic pain signs, such as pelvic pain, and utilizing diagnostic tools like the CA-125 marker are essential for timely diagnosis.

Recognizing Early Pelvic Pain Signs

Ovarian cancer has historically been considered a "silent disease," but recent research has shown that this is not the case. The most common symptoms include abdominal distension, pelvic pain, and difficulties in eating. These symptoms, when occurring more than 12 times a month and appearing recently, should raise suspicion for ovarian cancer [1]. Although most women with these symptoms do not have ovarian cancer, it is crucial to include it in the differential diagnosis to avoid potentially harmful delays in diagnosis.

The Value of CA-125 in Diagnosis

The tumor marker CA-125 is widely used in the management of ovarian cancer. Although its use in screening is controversial due to the high rate of false positives, it remains a valuable tool for monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrences [2]. Recent studies have shown that combining CA-125 with other biomarkers, such as HE4, improves sensitivity and specificity in the early detection of ovarian cancer [3]. Additionally, the use of algorithms like ROMA has been approved by the FDA to assess the risk of malignancy in women with pelvic masses [4].

Conclusions

Early detection of ovarian cancer is fundamental to improving prognosis and survival for patients. Recognizing early pelvic pain signs and utilizing markers like CA-125 in combination with other biomarkers and algorithms can significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy. It is imperative that physicians maintain a high index of suspicion and utilize all available tools for timely diagnosis and effective management.

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Created 13/1/2025