Serum Level of the Ovarian Cancer Biomarker HE4 in Benign Gynecologic Dieases

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the serum level of HE4 in benign gynecologic diseases contributing to the differential diagnosis between benign gynecologic diseases and ovarian cancer. Methods: 940 women with benign gynecologic diseases were enrolled in this study,including 106 with ovarian benign tumor,95 with ovarian cyst,157 with teratoma,252 with endometriosis,235 with uterine fibroids,77 with adenomyosis and 18 with hydrosalpinx. Serum HE4 levels in 940 patients were examined and analyzed according to disease type and age. Upper 95th percentiles were determined for the range in benign gynecologic diseases. Results: The highest value of HE4 in benign gynecologic diseases was 97. 32 pmol /L. Over the age of 40-year significant elevation in HE4 level emerged with advancing age. The upper 95th percentile for HE4 level was 65. 44 pmol /L for all of patients,61. 14 pmol /L for patients less than 40-year old,and 66. 39 pmol /L for patients over 40-yearold. Conclusions: Serum HE4 level varies significantly on the basis of age in benign gynecologic diseases. The variations should be considered in the differential diagnosis between benign gynecologic diseases and ovarian cancer.