Korean J Gynecol Oncol Colposc.  2002 Dec;13(4):348-352.

Predictive Value of CA 125 Level for Pelvic Lymph Node Metastasis in Endometrial Cancer

• Kim JH
• Lee SJ
• Rhim CC
• Namkoong S

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of preoperative CA 125 levels in determining the need for lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial carcinoma.
METHODS
CA 125 levels were measured in 100 patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma who underwent surgery at Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital between October 1992 and 0ctober 2002. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-whitney U test and chi2-Fisher's exact test.
RESULTS
Univariate analyses showed that elevated CA 125 levels were significantly correlated with an advanced stage, increasing depth of myometrial invasion, cervical invasion, adnexal involvement, high grade hystology and lymph node metastases (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Our data provide an evidence that the elevation of preoperative CA 125 levels can be considered as a predictor for full pelvic lymphadenectomy in the surgical staging of endometrial cancer.

Keyword

Endometrial cancer; CA 125 level; Lymph node metastases

MeSH Terms

Endometrial Neoplasms*
Female
Humans
Lymph Node Excision
Lymph Nodes*
Neoplasm Metastasis*