Unlocking the diagnostic potential of CA 19.9 in ovarian dermoid cysts: A new biomarker frontier

Ovarian dermoid cysts, or mature cystic teratomas, are common benign ovarian tumours in reproductive-age women, often asymptomatic or presenting with vague symptoms. Elevated tumour markers, particularly CA 19-9, have been observed in association with these cysts. Although typically linked to gastrointestinal malignancies, CA 19-9 may help in diagnosing ovarian dermoid cysts, predicting complications such as torsion and tumour size, and guiding treatment. This short communication highlights the potential role of CA 19-9 in the clinical management of ovarian dermoid cysts, emphasizing the importance of combining tumour markers with imaging for improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.