Examinations
Examinations
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant epithelial tumor that can develop in the cervix, oral cavity, esophagus, head and neck, lungs, anus, and skin.
SCC antigen is a glycoprotein from the serine protease inhibitor family with a molecular weight of 45–55 kDa.
Physiological Role
- Normally, small amounts of SCC antigen are produced by epithelial cells of the skin, cervix, and anal canal but are not released into the extracellular space.
- Increased secretion of SCC antigen occurs in squamous cell carcinoma, potentially contributing to tumor invasion and metastasis.
- The half-life of SCC antigen in serum is 2.2 hours.
Clinical Significance
- There is a correlation between SCC antigen concentration and:
- Cancer stage
- Tumor size
- Disease progression
- Aggressive tumor growth
- Presence of lymph node and organ metastases
- SCC antigen is detected in 60% of cervical cancer patients at various stages.
- Sensitivity for cervical cancer:
- Stage I: 10%
- Stage IV: 80%
- Sensitivity for cervical cancer:
- Within 96 hours after tumor removal, SCC antigen levels decrease to normal.
- Persistent high SCC antigen levels or increasing concentrations after surgery indicate recurrence or disease progression.
- In 46–92% of cases, SCC antigen elevation allows early detection of tumor recurrence months before clinical symptoms appear.
- Sample: Blood drawn from a vein.
- Fasting for at least 8 hours before the test is required.
- Discontinue medications 24 hours before testing (if approved by the doctor).
- Suspected epithelial tumors of various organs and tissues.
- Treatment planning for squamous cell carcinoma patients and selection of patients for more aggressive therapy.
- Monitoring after surgical removal of localized squamous cell tumors.
- Periodic examination of patients with squamous cell carcinoma.
Causes of Increased SCC Antigen Levels
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the:
- Cervix
- Oral cavity
- Esophagus
- Lungs
- Anus
- Skin