Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Carcinoembryonic antigen levels in benign and malignant pleural effusions
Abstract:
One hundred ninety-one unselected fluid specimens submitted routinely for cytologic examination were assayed to determine whether the measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in pleural effusions is useful in detecting malignancy. The mean +/- SD CEA level of 103 benign effusions was 4.1 +/- 2.9 ng/ml. Only one benign effusion had a level greater than 12 ng/ml (18 ng/ml). Benign inflammatory effusions (pneumonia, empyema) had a higher mean CEA activity (6.2 +/- 3.4) than effusions caused by congestive heart failure (2.9 +/- 1.5) (p less than 0.001). Twenty-four (34%) of 70 malignant effusions had a CEA level greater than 12 ng/ml, and 28 (40%) were "positive" by cytologic study. Thirty-eight (54%) were detected by one or both methods. Ten malignant effusions were positive by CEA (greater than 12 ng/ml) alone. These data suggest that the determination of CEA activity levels, when used in conjunction with other clinical findings, may be useful in detecting malignant pleural effusions.
Related Concept Videos
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

