Does CA-125 Always Indicate Ovarian Cancer? A Case of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Elevated CA-125

Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is frequently utilized as a tumor marker for diagnosing epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), particularly in postmenopausal women presenting with non-specific abdominal symptoms such as ascites and bloating. Nonetheless, its restricted specificity may present some diagnostic difficulties, as increased levels can also arise in numerous benign and non-gynecological disorders. We report the case of a 69-year-old postmenopausal woman who exhibited abdominal distension, dyspnea, and increased CA-125 levels, initially indicating a potential ovarian cancer. Subsequent examinations identified hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a consequence of chronic hepatitis C infection, with no indications of gynecologic cancer. This example underscores the necessity of evaluating alternate etiologies for increased CA-125 readings, particularly in those with predispositions to liver disease. A comprehensive clinical assessment, bolstered by imaging and laboratory analyses, is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and guarantee suitable management.