A 50-year-old woman completes treatment for Stage IB2 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Which serum marker is most useful for monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence during follow-up?
- A CA 125
- B Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) ✓
- C CEA
- D CA 19-9
Correct answer: B. Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag)
Explanation
SCC-Ag is elevated in a majority of advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix and correlates with tumour burden, making it useful for monitoring response and detecting recurrence, though it is not recommended as a standalone screening test. CA 125 is a marker for epithelial ovarian cancer, CEA is more typical of gastrointestinal malignancies, and CA 19-9 relates to pancreaticobiliary tumours.
Reference: Novak's Gynecology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.