Squamous cell carcinoma antigen reproducible marker and its clinicopathological correlation with preinvasive and invasive cervical cancer

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) is a serologic tumor marker detected in SCC of the cervix. The aim of this study is clinical features and their histopathological correlation between preinvasive and invasive cervical cancer and its association with SCC-Ag levels. Materials and Methods: This case–control study was carried out over a period of 1 year in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with collaboration of pathology and medicine. After informed consent and ethical clearance, totally 3200 women were recruited. Out of these, 76 women who were histopathological proven, 30 preinvasive, and 46 of invasive cervical malignancy (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage I–IV) enrolled for study. 15 healthy cytology negative were considered as controls. Per speculum, per vaginam examination was done in every women and pap smear was obtained. Pretreatment 5 ml venous blood samples were drawn into sterile vials. SCC-Ag levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique using ELISA Kit as per producer protocol. Results: Among preinvasive group, 35.46% women complained white discharge per vaginam. Blood mixed discharge and postcoital bleeding were observed in 3.4% and 0.71%, respectively. In malignant group, foul smelling discharge and postmenopausal bleeding were reported in 1.68% and 1.87% women, respectively. Serum SCC-Ag levels were increased from controls to cases. In controls, 0.27 ± 0.12 ng/ml, preinvasive 0.85 ± 0.37 ng/ml and in invasive malignancy Stage I, II, III, IV, 2.10 ± 0.55 ng/ml, 3.15 ± 0.84 ng/ml, 4.12 ± 0.89 ng/ml, and 2.71 ± 1.05 ng/ml, respectively. Moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated SCC were reported in 80.43% and 19.56%, respectively. Expired patients had significantly (P < 0.01) higher premean SCC Ag level as compared to those who remain alive. Conclusion: Serum SCC-Ag is not only useful in the detection of preinvasive lesions and early invasive cases of cervical cancer but also a definite indicator for advanced Stage malignancy. Its value was quite high in late stages of cervical malignancy, thus it can be used as reproducible marker in cervical cancer.