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Comparative study of mammography and mammary serum antigen estimation for breast cancer screening
1University of Queensland Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston.
Objective:
To compare mammary serum antigen (MSA) levels with mammography as a screening test for breast cancer. To determine the value of MSA testing to decrease the need for women to undergo mammography.
Design:
A blind prospective comparison of MSA levels and mammography to detect breast cancer.
Setting:
Royal Women's Hospital Breast Cancer Screening Clinic. Women were mainly self-referred.
Results:
MSA levels had a wide range in normal women and women with mammography-detected breast cancer. Mean MSA levels in women with breast cancer reflected tumour volume, but a wide range was again seen. At 60% specificity, the sensitivity of an elevated MSA level for breast cancer was 63% for invasive cancer and zero for in-situ disease. MSA levels were modestly but significantly elevated in smokers over non-smokers.
Conclusion:
The MSA level is an insufficiently sensitive or specific marker to have a role in screening for breast cancer.