Combined detections of serum tumor markers for differential diagnosis of solid mass of the head of the pancreas

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of combined measurement of multiple serum tumor markers in differential diagnosis of solid mass lesion of the pancreatic head. Methods The serum level of CA19-9,CA242,CA50 and CEA in 69 patients of carcinoma of the pancreatic head and 26 patients of focal chronic pancreatitis in pancreatic head was measured with ELISA. The ROC ( receiver-operating characteristics) curve of four serum tumor markers were made the areas under the curve and the likelihood ratio priority were calculated. Results The AUC(area under curve) of CA19-9,CA242,CA50 and CEA were 0. 745,0. 712,0. 717 and 0. 725 ,respectively. The positive likelihood ratio priority of CA19-9, CA242,CA50 and CEA were 1.91,3.43,5.09 and 5. 46;The negative likelihood ratio priority were 0.41、0.56、0.59 and 0. 71, respectively. In combined test, method of serial combined testing increased the diagnostic specificity, and method of parallel combined testing increased the diagnostic sensitivity. Conclusion Combined measurement of serum CA19-9、CA242、CA50 and CEA is valuable in differential diagnosis of solid mass lesion of pancreatic head. Serial combined testing could increase the diagnostic specificity.