CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein levels in cyst fluid of breast macrocysts.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the tumoral markers CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein in serum and breast cystic fluid in women with fibrocystic breast disease. METHODS: The study comprised 50 women diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease but without breast macrocysts, and 60 women with macrocysts. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of CA 125, CA 27.29, beta-hCG and CEA were observed in the cyst fluid than in the serum of the same patients. According to their K+/Na+ quotient we found that when K+/Na+ was < 3, cyst fluid CA 125, CA 27.29, beta-hCG and CEA levels were significantly higher than serum levels. However, when K+/Na+ was > 3, only CA 27.29 and beta-hCG levels were significantly higher. Comparing cyst fluid marker levels with respect to the K+/Na+ ratio, the only difference observed was in CA 125 which was significantly greater when K+/Na+ was < 3. A negative correlation was found between CA 125 and the K+/Na+ quotient. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that CA 125 could be used as a marker to identify cyst type.