Squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA

The term "squamous cell carcinoma" refers to a malignant tumor affecting mucosal epithelial tissue present in the oral cavity, cervix, lungs and esophagus, skin and anus. A specific cancer marker, squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA, is produced as a response to malignant transformation of epithelial cells. The antigen is a member of a series of glycoproteins, molecules linked to oligosaccharides by covalent bonds.

The squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA indicates the presence of a malignant epithelial tissue tumor in a person. [1]

Indications for the procedure SCCA squamous cell carcinoma antigen.

Squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA is a specific component that is present in the circulatory system of patients with malignant tumors. According to the results of the analysis for this antigen, it is possible to clarify how successful the therapy is, what is the prognosis of the disease for a particular patient, whether there is a possibility of recurrence of oncopathology.

Squamous cell carcinoma is classified as a highly malignant neoplasm, with different localization, but invariably unfavorable prognosis for most patients: unfortunately, we are talking about a lethal outcome.

The squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA belongs to a series of glycoproteins and belongs to the family of substances that inhibit serine proteases. The molecular mass index of the antigen ranges from 45 to 55 kilodaltons. Some amount of this component is produced in epithelial tissue, but it should not leave the boundaries of the intracellular space.

As squamous cell carcinoma progresses, antigen production by the tumor increases. This influences the growth and spread of malignant structures to neighboring tissues.

The following factors affect the SCCA squamous cell carcinoma antigen score:

• stage of cancer;
• the rate of development of the neoplasm;
• the degree of aggressiveness of the tumor neoplasm;
• infiltration and spread of metastases to the lymphatic system and other organs.

In every second case of cervical cancer patients, the level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA is found to be exceeded. After surgical treatment, this level almost stabilizes within a few days. If this stabilization does not occur, then further progression of the disease can be suspected. In the vast majority of cases, an elevated level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA allows to detect the tumor and its recurrence before the patient notices the first signs of the disease.

Doctors prescribe antigen testing in order to determine the treatment tactics and find out the prognostic nature of the pathology, to assess the probability of survival of the patient.

It is noteworthy that the squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA is not only associated with malignant tumors. Elevated values can accompany such diseases as psoriasis, hepatic or renal failure, benign processes. To prevent misdiagnosis, the analysis is always accompanied by a number of additional diagnostic tests.

Determination of SCCA squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels is essential:

• when a malignant epithelial focus is suspected;
• when it is necessary to determine the treatment tactics for patients with squamous cell carcinoma;
• before and after surgery for carcinoma resection;
• as a preventive step for patients cured of squamous cell carcinoma;
• when performing a full-dimensional diagnosis in patients with suspected oncopathology and metastasis;
• to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment procedures performed.

Direct indications for SCCA squamous cell carcinoma antigen score testing include:

• suspected malignant lesions of the epithelial tissue of the lungs, cervix, esophageal tube, etc.;
• determination of therapeutic tactics for patients at the initial stage of oncopathology, assessment of the need to change the treatment course;
• monitoring for the likelihood of recurrence;
• performing routine diagnostics in patients who have previously undergone surgical treatment of malignant tumors.

Venous blood is needed to find out the levels of the squamous cell cancer antigen SCCA. The test is performed without any special preparation. The extracted biomaterial is transferred into a container with ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid.

Important: This antigen is present not only in the bloodstream but also in other body fluids. Therefore, saliva, sputum, etc. Must not be allowed to enter the blood tube. Otherwise, the result of the test will be invalid. [2]

Normal performance

The normal value of squamous cell cancer antigen SCCA is no more than 2-2.5 ng/mL. But even this indicator is variable. For example, in some patients with confirmed squamous cell carcinoma, the index of the labeling agent may be low, despite the clear progress of the malignant process. Conversely, not all people with elevated oncomarker values have malignant carcinoma. With this in mind, it is safe to summarize that it is not possible to base a definitive diagnosis solely on information about oncomarker levels.

Elevated figures are most often found in women with cervical cancer. The level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA is different and depending on the stage of oncologic pathology. So, non-invasive tumor leads to deviations in the indicators of about every tenth patient. But the first stage of the invasive process demonstrates an increase in values in 30% of cases, and the cancer of the last stage gives an increase in 70-90% of cases.

SCCA squamous cell carcinoma antigen is used as a labeled marker to detect cervical cancer recurrence or the presence of residual cancerous process particles, to monitor the quality of therapy, and to detect small cell lung cancer.

Although in many cases the presence of the oncomarker indicates the presence of squamous cell carcinoma, the study is not used to diagnose a primary cancer process.

Normal values are not possible in patients with these pathologies:

• Oncologic foci in the urogenital system;
• pulmonary neoplasms;
• squamous cell cancer of the head and neck;
• anal tumors;
• adenocarcinomas and carcinomas of the digestive tract.

Elevated oncomarker values are also observed in patients with cirrhosis and pancreatitis, renal failure and chronic respiratory diseases, eczema and psoriasis, endometriosis and other gynecologic disorders. [3]

Important:

• In all cases of exceeding the norm of squamous cell carcinoma SCCA antigen, a number of ancillary studies, both laboratory and instrumental, are prescribed;
• If squamous cell carcinoma is suspected, regardless of the oncomarker test results, the patient is referred for histologic diagnosis.

If there is a strong deviation of antigen levels from the norm, then, most often, we are talking about an unfavorable pathological process. As is known from statistical information, the five-year survival rate of patients with a low value of the oncomarker is significantly higher than that of patients with a high level. [4]

Raising and lowering of values

Experts say that there is a relationship between the index of squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA and the severity of the pathological process, the size of the tumor focus, the rapidity of its development, the likelihood of metastasis to other organs and systems.

Lack of stabilization of values or their increase after surgical intervention for carcinoma indicates a recurrence of cancer growth, which further requires repeated therapeutic and surgical intervention.

The SCCA squamous cell carcinoma antigen test alone may not be sufficient to diagnose a cancerous tumor. With a small increase in this indicator, the doctor prescribes auxiliary diagnostics, including laboratory and ultrasound. Sharp increases in the level of antigen - a reason for urgent referral of the patient to an oncology clinic or department for further complete screening diagnostics.

Only the attending physician is responsible for deciphering and interpreting diagnostic information regarding the SCCA labeling agent. Self-study and evaluation of indicators are inadmissible. Postponing treatment always leads to the aggravation and aggravation of cancer pathology, spread of the tumor process and worsening of the prognosis. [5]

The most dangerous source of high values of squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA is epithelial cancer. With pronounced deviations from the norm speak about the possible metastatic spread of malignant structures to other organs.

Since not always an increase in the level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen indicates the presence of a tumor focus, the diagnosis uses methods to exclude or confirm other possible causes of such a phenomenon, in particular:

• Benign dermal diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, scaly lichen, vesicles;
• respiratory diseases, in particular tuberculosis, autoimmune sarcoidosis, etc;
• insufficient kidney or liver function.

SCCA oncomarker in the blood is analyzed using the immunochemiluminescence method. The essence of this method is a specific reaction that occurs in the "antigen/antibody" bond. As a result, a persistent complex is formed, which is subsequently detected using ultraviolet rays.

In order for the study to be as informative as possible and to eliminate errors, patients are advised:

• three days before the study exclude alcohol intake;
• the morning before the blood draw, do not eat breakfast, do not drink any beverages except pure non-carbonated water;
• half an hour before the blood draw, no smoking, no anxiety.

The result of the analysis is usually ready on 2-3 days. Simultaneously with the diagnosis of squamous cell cancer oncomarker SCCA, the doctor may prescribe other tests, such as the determination of neurospecific enolase, CA-125, cytologic (oncocytologic) smear. [6]

Some statistics. Elevated levels of squamous cell carcinoma SCCA antigen most often indicate:

• for cervical cancer;
• for lung cancer (squamous cell lung carcinoma, less commonly non-small cell cancer);
• in almost half of the situations - for cancerous lesions of the head and neck;
• about 30% of cases are esophageal cancer;
• in 4-20% of cases - oncoprocess in the endometrium, ovaries, vulva, vagina;
• in more rare cases - on pathologies of the hepatobiliary system, renal failure, dermatologic diseases.

Based on the above information, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• The SCCA squamous cell cancer antigen assay cannot be the only existing basis for diagnosis.
• The cause of increased antigen values can also be non-tumor pathological processes. At the same time, a low level of oncomarker is not a criterion indicating the absence of malignant process or metastases. Recall: the results of the study - not one hundred percent.
• After surgical removal of the neoplasm, it is recommended that the patient perform oncomarker testing on a regular basis (usually annually).
• The earlier the malignant process is detected, the more optimistic the prognosis. Therefore, it is important to test the squamous cell carcinoma antigen SCCA in a timely manner, do not delay the diagnosis and precisely fulfill all medical appointments.