Role of Tumour Markers Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9, Carcinoembryonic Antigen, & Alpha Fetoprotein in Carcinoma Gall Bladder

Abstract

BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer is recognised as an irreversible malignancy with a high fatality rate. The highest incidence of gall bladder carcinoma is seen in India and Chile, and relatively low level in many Western countries. Gall bladder carcinoma has an extremely poor prognosis, increasing incidence, and diagnosed at an advanced stage despite recent advances in diagnostic modalities. Considering the high rate of mortality attributable mainly to late detection of disease at an advanced stage, early diagnosis remains to be one of the most important determinants of the outcome. This study was conducted to assess the role of tumour markers, namely carbohydrate antigen (CA 19-9), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in the diagnosis of gall bladder carcinoma. We wanted to assess the diagnostic role of tumour markers in carcinoma gall bladder. METHODS Patients with radiologically and histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of carcinoma gall bladder were invited to participate in the study. A thorough history was taken, and relevant examination done as per protocol. All necessary laboratory and radiologic investigations were done according to study design. Assessment of the tumour markers CA19-9, CEA and AFP was done, and values compared with carcinoma gall bladder patients. RESULTS The diagnostic value of tumour markers has been studied in context with histopathological grade as all the cases were histopathologically proven cases of carcinoma gall bladder (Ca GB). CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that CA 19-9 was most effective with regard to its ability to differentiate between different grades of gall bladder carcinoma. KEY WORDS CA 19-9, CEA, AFP, Carcinoma Gallbladder