SCC antigen in malignant and nonmalignant squamous lesions

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Clinical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen (Ag) is a tumor marker primarily used for SCC of the uterine cervix.
• Normal epithelium and epithelial tissues express SCC Ag.
• Understanding factors influencing SCC Ag levels is crucial for accurate interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors interfering with in vitro sample collection and assay procedures for SCC Ag.
• To identify benign and malignant non-gynecological diseases associated with elevated serum SCC Ag levels.
• To clarify the clinical significance of SCC Ag beyond cervical cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on SCC antigen.
• Analysis of factors affecting SCC Ag assay results.
• Compilation of data on diseases associated with elevated SCC Ag.

Main Results:

• Contamination during sample collection (skin, saliva) significantly influences SCC Ag levels.
• Elevated SCC Ag is observed in various benign pulmonary diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, sarcoidosis) and skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis).
• Increased SCC Ag levels are also noted in non-gynecological SCC malignancies, including those of the head and neck, lung, and skin.

Conclusions:

• SCC antigen levels can be affected by pre-analytical factors and non-gynecological conditions.
• Elevated SCC Ag is not exclusive to cervical cancer and requires careful interpretation in clinical practice.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of SCC Ag in various disease states.