[Significance of the CEA-Test in malignomas of the head and neck (author's transl)].

Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were determined in 80 patients, 65 with malignant and 15 with non-malignant affections. Among the malignant tumor bearing patients, in only 30% increased CEA levels were found. On the other hand, in the non-malignant patient group 33% had elevated CEA levels. It is concluded, that the determination of the CEA-Serum levels in malignomas of the head and neck has no diagnostic significance.