Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is an antigen used in the diagnosis of epithelial nonmucinous ovarian cancers. CA125 may be elevated in many benign and malignant conditions, so elevated levels can cause confusion over patient management. The multidisciplinary team is important when planning care for patients with suspected ovarian cancer.
Learning objectivesTo know the factors leading to CA125 production and its mechanism of action.To understand how CA125 is used as a diagnostic tool and to assess the treatment response of ovarian cancer. To appreciate patient care options in cases of falsely elevated CA125.
Ethical issuesIs the CA125 blood test being used in patients appropriately and safely? In patients with elevated CA125 levels, does this lead to unnecessary investigations and invasive treatments? Keywords: CA125 / gynaecological causes of raised CA125 / nongynaecological causes of raised CA125 / ovarian cancer / ovarian cancer follow-up
Key Content
Cervical cancer is the commonest gynaecological malignancy diagnosed in pregnancy.
Cancer symptoms may mimic complications of pregnancy, thus delaying diagnosis.
Staging of cervical cancer in pregnancy is essential to determine an individual management plan.
Treatment of cervical cancer in pregnancy is complex and depends on the stage of cancer and the gestation of the pregnancy.
Involvement of a multidisciplinary team is essential in the care of a woman with cervical cancer in pregnancy.
Learning Objectives
To understand how to diagnose, stage and treat cervical cancer in pregnancy.
To know the risks to the fetus in each trimester, with regard to the various surgical and chemotherapeutic options available to treat cervical cancer in pregnancy.
To understand the psychological effects on a woman of a cancer diagnosis in pregnancy.
Ethical Issues
How should maternal and fetal risks be balanced while investigating and treating cervical cancer in pregnancy?
Consideration of termination of pregnancy to allow timely treatment, alternatively risking delay in treatment and progression of disease.
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