Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) is a so-called tumor marker.Tumor markers are substances produced naturally in the body by tumors and are detectable in the blood. They can provide an indication of a malignant (malignant) neoplasm and are used as a follow-up test in cancer aftercare.
The procedure
Material needed
- Blood serum
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- None known
Normal value
| Normal value adults | <5 μg/l |
Indications
- Suspected cervical carcinoma (cervical cancer).
- Suspicion of bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer).
- Suspicion of other carcinomas such as esophageal carcinoma (esophageal cancer) or malignant (malignant) tumors in the area of the neck
- Progress and therapy control in the above-mentioned tumors.
Interpretation
Interpretation of increased values
- Anal canal carcinoma (anal cancer)
- Bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer; detectable in 5-75% of cases, depending on histology).
- Neoplasms in the area of the neck
- Esophageal cancer (cancer of the esophagus; detectable in up to 40% of cases).
- Cervical carcinoma (cervical cancer; detectable in 40-80% of cases).
- Renal insufficiency (detectable in 20-70% of cases).
- Psoriasis (detectable in 80% of cases).
- Eczema (detectable in 80% of cases).
Interpretation of lowered values
- No diagnostic significance
Further notes
- Marker of choice in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
- Marker of choice in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (highest sensitivity (percentage of diseased patients in whom the disease is detected by use of the test, i.e., a positive test result occurs) of all markers)
- Elevated levels may also be detected in benign (benign) diseases of the lung, liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.
