Estradiol, gonadotropins, and tumor markers in ovarian cyst fluid

Background. The study was designed to improve the discrimination between functional and neoplastic ovarian cysts in order to avoid unnecessary surgery. Methods. Concentrations of tumor markers (CA 125, CEA, CASA. CA 72-4) and hormones (estradiol, FSH. LH) in cyst fluid were detected by enzyme immuno- or immunoradiometric assays. Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the correlation of cyst fluid markers and histology. Results. One hundred and thirty-eight ovarian cyst aspirates were investigated. Seventy-one patients (51.5%) had functional cysts whereas 67 (48.5%) had benign (n = 59) or malignant (n = 8) cystic tumors. Statistically significant correlations of CA 125 (p