Abstract
ObjectThe diagnosis of intracranial epidermoid cyst (IEC) relies solely on MRI, which is time and money consuming. The application of tumor biomarkers in IEC has never been systematically studied. Here we screened a group of commonly used tumor biomarkers to assess their diagnostic value in IEC.ResultsSerum tumor biomarkers were assessed in 42 IECs and 42 paired healthy controls. Only serum CA19-9 level was significantly higher in the IEC group (median 20.3U/ml vs. 6.5U/ml, p < 0.001). Area under curve for CA19-9 was 0.806 (95% CI 0.700–0.912), with cutoff value of 13.15 U/ml (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 97.6%). Tumor size was significantly different between CA19-9 positive and CA19-9 negative groups(64.14 ± 67.91cm3 vs. 19.43 ± 13.76 cm3, p = 0.04) and linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation. Neither the extent of resection nor recurrence rate showed any significant difference between the two groups.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of IEC patients treated between 2009 and 2014. We analyzed the expression of common serum tumor biomarkers, including carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9), carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen125 and squamous cell carcinoma in both IEC and healthy control group. Receiver operating characterisitics curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy.ConclusionsOur data indicated that for serum CA19-9 level higher than 13.15U/ml, after excluding the possibility of gastrointestinal system tumor, lung cancer, inflammation and other related diseases, the existence of IEC should be considered. Further prospective study is needed to gain more understanding of the value of CA19- 9 in postoperative evaluation and surveillance.
Highlights
Intracranial Epidermoid cyst (IEC), known as cholesteatoma, is a rare type of primary intracranial benign tumor, originating from entrapped ectodermal tissue during embryogenesis [1]
Four epithelium originated tumor biomarkers, CA199, CA 125, CEA and Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) were compared across the two groups, Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) were significantly higher in patients with IECthan in healthy controls(p < 0.001; Table 1, Figure 2)
One patient was excluded from the analysis for factors influencing CA19-9 expression, since had multiple lesions spreading along ventricular system, rendering the determination of size and location impossible
Summary
Intracranial Epidermoid cyst (IEC), known as cholesteatoma, is a rare type of primary intracranial benign tumor, originating from entrapped ectodermal tissue during embryogenesis [1]. Serum tumor biomarkers have been applied to assist the diagnosis, prognostic evaluation and follow-up of certain types of tumors, which is cheap, convenient and efficient compared to radiologic evaluation. Others have reported abnormally high serum CA19-9 level in splenic ECs [7,8,9]. All these trivial evidences point to the possible diagnostic value of CA19-9 in IEC. Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is usually applied in evaluating ovarian tumors [10]. These tumor biomarkers share the common characteristics of originating from epithelium tissue
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
