[Significance of determination of squamous cell carcinoma antigen in the follow up of patients with cancer of the uterine cervix].

The serum concentrations of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) were determined in 59 patients with invasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix, in 21 patients with benign cervical diseases. Pretherapeutic SCC levels were elevated (> 2.5 ng/ml) in 63% (34/54) of the patients with squamous cervical carcinoma. 5 patients with adenomatosus cervical carcinoma had not elevated levels. In 21 patients with benign cervical diseases, 4.8% (1/21) of SCC values were above the normal range. There were no correlation of SCC levels and the degree of the histological differentiation or clinical stages. Serial SCC determinations revealed a correlation with the clinical course of disease in 72.2% (26/36) with squamous cervical carcinoma. Rising levels were always associated with progression. The SCC level increased before clinical signs of progression with a median lead time of 3 months. Patients with cervical adenocarcinoma for follow up CA 125 determination was recommended. The determination of SCC is a useful tool checking the patients, detecting early progression of squamous cervical tumor.