Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To detect the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carcinoma associated antigen CA-50 in the patients with oral or salivary malignant tumors. METHODS: The concentrations of salivary CEA and CA-50 were assayed in 80 patients of oral and salivary malignant tumors, 40 patients of benign tumors and 80 health controls. In 80 patients with malignant tumors, serum CEA and CA-50 were also assayed by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay and immunoradiometric analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Salivary CEA and CA-50 levels were significantly higher in malignant tumors than in benign tumors and in health controls, respectively (P < 0.001). Only 7 cases and 3 cases of 80 patients with malignant tumors were found having increased serum CEA and CA-50 levels, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of CEA and CA-50 levels in saliva were more sensitive than in serum. This may be more useful as prognostic indicators in early diagnosis of oral and salivary malignant tumors.