Step 1: What are tumor markers?
Tumor markers are measurable substances, usually proteins, present in blood, urine, or tissues that indicate the presence of certain cancers.
Step 2: Ovarian cancer and CA-125.
CA-125 is a glycoprotein antigen that is elevated in about 80% of women with epithelial ovarian cancer.
It is not only used for diagnosis but also for monitoring recurrence and response to treatment.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
- (A) CA 15-3: Typically elevated in breast cancer, not ovarian cancer.
- (B) CA-125: Correct, strongly linked with ovarian cancer.
- (C) CA 19-9: Elevated in gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers.
- (D) Protein S100 B: Associated with melanoma and nervous system tumors.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The marker increased in ovarian cancer patients is CA-125.