The Effect of Surgical Intervention of Endometriosis to CA-125 and Pain

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: The Effect of Surgical Intervention of Endometriosis to CA-125 and Pain
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Abdul Kadir Abdul Karim, Nor Haslinda Abd Aziz, Reena Rahayu Md Zin, Norfilza Mohd Mokhtar, Mohamad Nasir Shafiee


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: The Effect of Surgical Intervention of Endometriosis to CA-125 and Pain

Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.6.2

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, often resulting in severe pelvic pain and infertility. Diagnosis typically requires surgical intervention, which carries risks, including a decrease in ovarian reserve and potential complications. The monitoring of disease progression and treatment outcomes after surgery remains a challenge, as there is currently no consensus on specific parameters to evaluate these aspects. This review consolidates findings from clinical trials that examined the utility of cancer antigen (CA)-125 levels and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in patients undergoing surgical intervention for endometriosis.

Monitoring the Impact of Surgery on CA-125 Levels

One key concept discussed in the review is the role of serum CA-125 as a biomarker for monitoring endometriosis after surgical intervention. Elevated CA-125 levels are often observed in patients with moderate to severe endometriosis, and while the antigen is not a definitive diagnostic tool, its levels can indicate inflammation associated with the disease. The review highlights that although various studies showed a reduction in CA-125 levels post-surgery, there is insufficient evidence to establish its reliability as a solo monitoring tool. The effectiveness of using CA-125 as an outcome measure relies on recognizing that its levels may fluctuate based on disease severity and concomitant peritoneal irritation.

Conclusion

The findings underline the complexities of utilizing biomarkers for monitoring endometriosis after surgery, emphasizing the necessity for further research to validate the use of serum CA-125 levels as a reliable indicator of treatment outcomes. Additionally, the review shows that VAS scores, commonly employed to assess pain levels in endometriosis patients, demonstrate significant improvement post-surgery, further supporting surgical treatment as a viable option for alleviating symptoms. Collectively, while both CA-125 and VAS scores provide valuable insights, a more standardized approach is needed in their application to effectively monitor and manage endometriosis.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is endometriosis and its primary symptoms?

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where endometrial growth occurs outside the uterus. Common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain lasting over six months, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse). Some individuals may be asymptomatic, discovering the condition incidentally during surgery.

How is endometriosis typically diagnosed?

The gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis is through visual inspection during surgery, often confirmed by histology. While molecular biomarkers like CA-125 have been studied, their utility in diagnosing endometriosis remains inconclusive, necessitating further clinical validation.

What role does CA-125 play in endometriosis treatment?

Serum CA-125 is a biomarker used in monitoring endometriosis rather than diagnosing it. Elevated levels can indicate the presence of endometriosis, but improvements in CA-125 levels post-surgery may reflect reduced disease activity or peritoneal irritation.

How effective is surgery for treating pain associated with endometriosis?

Surgery for endometriosis has shown significant improvement in pain levels, particularly when pain scores were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Reports indicate improvements typically became significant around three months post-surgery, aiding in pain management.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The Effect of Surgical Intervention of Endometriosis to CA-125 and Pain”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Pain:
Pain is a significant symptom associated with endometriosis, often described as chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, or dyspareunia. Understanding and assessing this pain using scales like the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, particularly surgical interventions aimed at alleviating such discomfort.

2) Post:
Post refers to the period following surgical intervention for endometriosis. Monitoring outcomes post-surgery, such as changes in serum CA-125 levels or VAS pain scores, is essential for assessing the effectiveness of treatment and understanding disease progression or recurrence in patients.

3) Table:
Table represents the structured summaries used in research to present findings clearly. In the context of the study, tables compile data from various clinical trials, illustrating the outcomes related to serum CA-125 levels and pain scores, facilitating comparison and analysis of different studies.

4) Disease:
Disease refers to endometriosis, a chronic condition characterized by the pathological presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pain, and potentially affecting fertility. Understanding its pathology, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for improving patient outcomes.

5) Study (Studying):
Study highlights the importance of research in understanding endometriosis and evaluating treatment modalities. The consolidation of clinical trials related to CA-125 levels and pain measurement post-surgery provides valuable insights for developing effective management strategies for this complex condition.

6) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the scientific methods and practices used to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases like endometriosis. This includes pharmacological and surgical approaches, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each patient's needs and the complexity of their condition.

7) Measurement:
Measurement is fundamental in assessing the severity of symptoms and treatment effectiveness in endometriosis. Instruments like the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and serum CA-125 levels help quantify patients' conditions, guiding clinical decision-making and improving individualized care strategies.

8) Dysmenorrhea (Dysmenorrhoea):
Dysmenorrhea involves painful menstruation, a common symptom among women with endometriosis. Its presence can indicate the severity of the disease and impact the patient's quality of life. Effective management of dysmenorrhea is key in treatment plans and evaluating surgical intervention outcomes.

9) Inflammation:
Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, contributing to pain and tissue changes. Recognizing the inflammatory processes helps in understanding disease progression and informs treatment strategies, including surgery or medication targeting inflammation to relieve symptoms.

10) Irritation:
Irritation is often caused by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and pain. Understanding the relationship between irritative processes and symptomatology is essential in managing and monitoring endometriosis effectively.

11) Quality:
Quality refers to the overall impact of endometriosis on a patient's life, including physical and emotional well-being. Tracking quality of life changes post-treatment, especially regarding pain relief and symptom management, is integral in evaluating therapeutic efficacy.

12) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study and application of findings related to health and disease, particularly in areas like endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. This approach is essential for advancing knowledge, improving clinical practices, and ensuring evidence-based patient care.

13) Cancer:
Cancer in this context mainly relates to the CA-125 biomarker, which is often elevated in cancerous conditions as well as in endometriosis. Understanding its role as a diagnostic and monitoring tool helps differentiate between benign conditions and malignancies, guiding treatment approaches.

14) Rules:
Rules refer to the guidelines that govern the diagnosis and management of endometriosis, ensuring standardized care practices. These include protocols for evaluating symptoms, staging the disease, and implementing treatment plans based on clinical evidence from studies.

15) Blood:
Blood plays a pivotal role in the context of biomarkers like CA-125, which are measured in serum to assess and monitor endometriosis. Analyzing blood samples provides information on disease activity and treatment effectiveness, making it a critical aspect of patient management.

16) Cani:
Cani in this context likely refers to the authors' contributions to the understanding of endometriosis through research. The work done by authors helps illuminate pathways in endometriosis and potential treatment interventions, enhancing awareness and knowledge in the medical community.

17) Life:
Life refers to the broader implications of endometriosis on women's health, emphasizing the need for effective treatment strategies. The goal is to improve the lived experiences of women suffering from this condition by alleviating pain and enhancing overall health outcomes.

18) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical component of research articles where findings are interpreted and implications are drawn. In the context of endometriosis, it helps contextualize results, address limitations, and suggest directions for future research based on current evidence.

19) Surface:
Surface may pertain to the cellular or anatomical aspects of endometriotic lesions, implying their visibility or detectability during examinations. Understanding the surface characteristics of lesions is important for appropriate surgical planning and intervention.

20) Reason:
Reason refers to the rationale behind choosing specific methods or treatments for endometriosis. Understanding the reasoning helps clinicians make informed decisions about patient care, treatment modalities, and the importance of monitoring tools like CA-125.

21) Roman (Roma):
Roman may refer to the significant contributions of the broader scientific community in the study of reproductive health, including historical perspectives on conditions like endometriosis. Understanding historical context can enrich contemporary medical practices and treatment approaches.

22) Cina:
China refers to the origin of certain studies included in the review. Understanding the geographical and cultural context of research studies can inform clinical practices and approaches to managing endometriosis in diverse populations with varying healthcare access.

23) Ovid:
Ovid refers to the database used for literature searches in the study's methodology. These databases are essential for accessing comprehensive medical literature, enabling researchers to consolidate evidence and improve the overall quality of their reviews.

24) Hand:
Hand may symbolize the manual skills required in surgical interventions for endometriosis. Technical proficiency is crucial for successful surgical outcomes and minimizing complications, highlighting the significance of skilled practitioners in managing complex cases.

25) Gold (Golden):
Gold represents the gold standard of care in medicine. In endometriosis, the gold standard refers to the best practices in diagnosis and treatment, guiding clinicians toward effective strategies that yield the highest patient outcomes and quality of care.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘The Effect of Surgical Intervention of Endometriosis to CA-125 and Pain’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Dysmenorrhea, Medical treatment, Financial support, Surgical intervention, Surgical treatment, Chronic inflammation, Conflict of interest, Quality of life, Control group, Inclusion criteria, Clinical trial, Chronic pelvic pain, Dyspareunia, Benign condition, Treatment response, Visual analogue scale, Long-term follow-up, Disease progression, Literature-Search, Uterine cavity, Meta analysis, VAS Score, Review article, Pain score, Diagnostic tool, Mean score, Surgical approach, Ovarian reserve, Pelvic organs, Progesterone therapy, Post-operative Follow Up, Pelvic Pain, Laparoscopic surgery, Endometriosis, Diagnostic purpose, Visual analogue scale (VAS), Premature Menopause, Endometrial growth, Diagnostic laparoscopy, Pelvic endometriosis, Retrograde menstruation, Serum concentration, Gold standard, Neurogenic inflammation, Serum CA125, Blood biomarker, Molecular biomarkers, CA-125, Non-invasive diagnosis, Cochrane meta-analysis, Laparoscopic approach, Median score, Post-operative recurrence, Typical symptoms, Main symptoms, Pain improvement, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Endometrial Cells, Authors contribution, Monitoring tool, Endometrial tissue.

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