ABSTRACT
Gastrointestinal carcinomas are amongst the most common malignancy showing an annual increase globally. In our population, there is an increase in GIT carcinomas over the years and these are occurring at a much younger age. Tumour markers are molecular substances produced by all tumour cells which are excreted in body fluids or present on the surface of the cells. CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4 are tumour markers for GIT carcinomas. The study included patients of upper GIT carcinoma and controls of both sexes and all ages. Each category included about 30 blood samples. Serum of each sample was evaluated for tumour markers CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4. The estimations were made by using ELISA/EIA. The t-test and ANOVA were performed for comparison of means, specificity and sensitivity of each marker were also calculated. Showed that in our population GIT carcinoma is common in younger age group. Sensitivity of CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4 is 63.33%, 50% and 63.33% respectively whereas specificity of these markers are 60%, 93.33% and 100% respectively in upper GIT carcinoma. CA 19-9 is tumour marker of choice for pancreatic carcinoma and CA 72-4 for gastric carcinoma