[The diagnostic value of the tumor markers CEA, "Ca 19-9", "Ca 125", "Ca15-3" and "SCC" for the detection of recurrent tumors in patients with tumors of the head and neck].

An increased squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) value was found in 33.3% of the patients with carcinomas of the oral cavity. In those patients in whom the tumor recurred, this percentage increased to 75%. Although elevated in 43.4% of the tumor patients, CEA values failed to drop after treatment like the SCC antigens did. Nor was there, in contrast to the SCC antigens, any evident correlation with tumor volume. Thus, pathologic CEA values must be attributed to non-tumor specific concomitant diseases. Ca 19-9, Ca 125 and Ca 15-3 exhibited poor sensitivity. According to the results of our studies the only valid tumor markers are SCC antigens, particularly for monitoring treatment.