value of CEA in the differentiation between malignant and non-malignant effusion

ABSTRACT

In order to discriminate between benign and malignant effusion, the value of carcinoembryonic antigen has been estimated in the serum and in serous effusion. The present work included 40 patients, 22 with malignant and 18 with benign effusions. The mean CEA level in the malignant group was significantly higher than that in the benign group. Using CEA value of 5 ng/ml as a cut-off value, CEA level in the effusion was found to have a sensitivity of 41% and specificity of 94%. The corresponding values in the serum were 45% and 100% respectively. In the malignant group, the mean CEA value was found to be high in patients having adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. On the other hand, the mean CEA level in patients having mesothelioma was low