Serum levels of squamous cell carcinoma antigen as a predictor of inguinofemoral lymph node metastasis in patients with vulvar cancer.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the predictive value of preoperatively determined squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) serum levels for the risk of inguinofemoral lymph node metastasis.

STUDY DESIGN:

In this retrospective trial, preoperative serum levels of SCC-Ag in 29 patients with invasive squamous cell vulvar cancer (pT1 + 2) were evaluated and compared with nodal status.

RESULTS:

Twenty patients had negative inguinofemoral nodes, whereas in nine an inguinofemoral lymph node metastasis could be observed. The median SCC-Ag in women with negative nodes was 1.3 micrograms/L (0.2-11.5) and with positive nodes, 2.7 micrograms/L (0.4-9.1) (P = .35).

CONCLUSION:

Measurement of the serum level of SCC-Ag cannot be used for preoperative evaluation of the risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with clinically localized tumors since there is a significant overlap between both cohorts.

• Authors: Andreas Nather, Ariane Sami, Lukas Hefler, Sepp Leodolter, Elmar A Joura
• Journal: The Journal of reproductive medicine (J Reprod Med) Vol. 47 Issue 9 Pg. 718-20 (Sep 2002) ISSN: 0024-7758 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12380452 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Neoplasm
• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Serpins
• squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antigens, Neoplasm (blood, immunology)
• Biomarkers, Tumor (blood)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (blood, immunology, secondary)
• Female
• Femur (pathology)
• Humans
• Inguinal Canal (pathology)
• Lymphatic Metastasis (immunology, pathology)
• Middle Aged
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Retrospective Studies
• Serpins
• Vulvar Neoplasms (blood, immunology, pathology)