CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein levels in cyst fluid of breast macrocysts.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the tumoral markers CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein in serum and breast cystic fluid in women with fibrocystic breast disease.

METHODS

The study comprised 50 women diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease but without breast macrocysts, and 60 women with macrocysts.

RESULTS

Significantly higher levels of CA 125, CA 27.29, beta-hCG and CEA were observed in the cyst fluid than in the serum of the same patients. According to their K+/Na+ quotient we found that when K+/Na+ was < 3, cyst fluid CA 125, CA 27.29, beta-hCG and CEA levels were significantly higher than serum levels. However, when K+/Na+ was > 3, only CA 27.29 and beta-hCG levels were significantly higher. Comparing cyst fluid marker levels with respect to the K+/Na+ ratio, the only difference observed was in CA 125 which was significantly greater when K+/Na+ was < 3. A negative correlation was found between CA 125 and the K+/Na+ quotient.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that CA 125 could be used as a marker to identify cyst type.