Role of Serum CEA as Tumor Marker for Predicting Presence of Pelvic and Paraaortic Lymph Node Metastasis in SCC of Uterine Cervix

Abstract

Objectives: Cancer of the uterine cervix is the major cause of death from gynecologic cancer worldwide. Isolated paraaortic lymph node metastasis detected at the initial diagnosis of cervical cancer could be addressed by extended field paraaortic lymph node irradiation. Serum Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) could be done for detecting early Para aortic lymph node (PALN) involvement and scrutinizing relapse or recurrence. To assess pelvic and paraaortic lymph node status by computed tomography scan and also correlate with the pretreatment serum Carcinoembryonic antigen levels. Materials &Methods:Twenty one patients of histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of cervix of any age group were recruited into the study. We assessed the status of pelvic and paraaortic lymph node by computed tomography scans study. Pretreatment serum CEA levels were evaluated in all patients irrespective of the stage from I to IV.Results: We observed that there was an elevation of Carcinoembryonic antigen in those patients having paraaortic lymph node and PALN metastasis. Conclusion:Based on the results, we could opine that serum Carcinoembryonic antigen levels could help to prognosticate the cervical cancer patient, predict the presence of paraaortic and pelvic lymph nodes. To explore the potential of for PALN detection and treatment response assessment.