Squamous cell carcinoma antigen: pretreatment levels as an indicator of advanced or metastatic disease.

Pretreatment values of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) were obtained in 100 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix presenting to the Regional Gynaecological Oncology Centre in Gateshead, UK. Nine patients deemed to have locally advanced disease not suitable for primary surgery had elevated levels. Ninety-one patients were suitable for primary surgery. Sixty-seven had normal SCC levels, two of which had lymph node metastases. Twenty-four had elevated SCC levels, 14 of which had lymph node metastases. Two early recurrences have been detected in the raised SCC group where no lymph node metastases were present. Elevated levels of SCC in the pretreatment assessment indicate a high risk of lymph node metastases and of developing recurrent disease after primary surgery.

Radical vulvectomy and groin node dissection in a patient with chronic neutropenia-maintenance of leucocyte count using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

A patient was referred for consideration of radical surgery in the presence of chronic neutropenia. We report the successful maintenance of an adequate neutrophil count during the perioperative period using Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), resulting in successful primary healing of the wounds in the absence of infective complications. The use of GCSF in gynecology is briefly reviewed.