Mucinous Ovarian Tumors - Blood Markers

Dr. Goodman:

My 24 year old daughter had a 14 centimeter stage 1 borderline mucinous ovarian tumor removed in June 2009. Since then she has been having a TVU and a CA 125 test quarterly, plus we added a CEA and CA19-9 test after the first post-operative visit. I recently read that CA 125 plus TTR, TF and APOa-1 tests are the better group of blood marker tests for mucinous tumors. I'm frankly a bit confused by the proliferation of blood marker tests. Which blood marker tests would you recommend for follow-up for mucinous tumors? Also, we have not done a CT scan since the surgery. Would you recommend that as well?

Thanks so much for your attention.  

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
none of those markers are very helpful for mucinous tumors. the most important test is a pelvic ultrasound to check her remaining ovary.

If she had an abnormal marker preop such as an elevated CA 125, then  that could be followed. More commonly, the markers are in the normal range and not useful
best wishes