Pelvic Mass Associated With Raised CA 125 For Benign Condition: A Case Report

Background:
Elevated levels of CA 125 with clinical evidence of significant weight loss and associated pelvic mass is highly suggestive of ovarian malignancy, this creates a diagnostic dilemma with the knowledge that several benign pelvic conditions may present with same findings.
Conclusion:
The presence of a pelvic mass with a raised CA 125 of 1450 units/ml, lymphadenopathy and other associated suspicious features on CT scan suggested an ovarian malignancy. A subsequent fall of CA 125 to 23 units/ml pointed to an inflammatory condition as was found intraoperatively. Raised CA 125 levels can be misleading, as illustrated in this case, a differential diagnosis of inflammatory pelvic condition should always be considered in young patients. While CT and CA 125 aids in diagnosis they should not completely supplant the need to rely on clinical history and examination findings.