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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
Clear cell ovarian cancer
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
Clear cell ovarian cancer
by Silver, Apr 16, 2007 12:00AM
Hi , I had surgery 2 years ago and I was wondering if you may be able to answer this question as I feel confused . I have clear cell carcinoma stage 1a through endometriosis which was found to be quite extensive , I was also found to have 16 fibroids , 2 complex cysts and a 3cm endometrium . The cancer was found when I was having a hysterectomy for the other problems I had , before surgery my ca125 was 500 and after and before chemo it was 10 . I take it that the ca125 was elevated because of the fibroids and cysts ? . I have just been for my checkup and have been told that I won,t have to return now for 6 months as my oncologist feels the ca125 was a good marker for my cancer , how can this be when I had a count of 10 before chemo ? . She also told me that she didn,t think that it was likely that the cancer would recur and that I would not have to go for another check up for 6 months . I was obviously really happy about this news but in the past couple of days I feel a bit uneasy . I would greatly appreciate your opinion on this please . Thankyou so much in advance for your response . Regards - Silver
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Apr 17, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 17, 2007 12:00AM
Dear Silver,
that is a good question. fibroids are the most common benign cause of an elevated CA 125. But having said that - the elevation from fibroid is usually in the 50 to 100 range. I suspect that the clear cell cancer was giving off the 500. By surgically removing the cancer, (stage 1 a by definition means that no other cancer was present after surgery was finished because it had not spread off the ovary), the Ca 125 dropped to normal postop.
it is nerve wracking to go 6 months between visit. you should ask your oncologist if you could get CA 125 tests every 3 months even though she will only examine you every 6 months. that might make you feel safer
best wishes
that is a good question. fibroids are the most common benign cause of an elevated CA 125. But having said that - the elevation from fibroid is usually in the 50 to 100 range. I suspect that the clear cell cancer was giving off the 500. By surgically removing the cancer, (stage 1 a by definition means that no other cancer was present after surgery was finished because it had not spread off the ovary), the Ca 125 dropped to normal postop.
it is nerve wracking to go 6 months between visit. you should ask your oncologist if you could get CA 125 tests every 3 months even though she will only examine you every 6 months. that might make you feel safer
best wishes
Member Comments (3)
by Silver, Apr 17, 2007 12:00AM
Hi Dr , you have answered my post today below ( clear cell ) but the answer isn,t showing Thanks - Silver
by Silver, Apr 17, 2007 12:00AM
To: DR Goodman
I can,t see your response
