Squamous cell carcinoma antigen elevation in cervical cancer follow-up: the forest hiding the tree

Background: The measurement of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) levels is part of usual follow-up in epidermal cancers, such as epidermal cervical cancers of the uterus. Numerous benign and malign diseases and particularly skin disorders can also create an elevation of SCC. Objective: In this article the authors describe benign diseases leading to an SCC elevation, being able to mislead the physician during follow-up of a patient with a history of epidermal carcinoma. Materials and Methods: The authors describe two cases of patients having suffered a cervical cancer being suspected to have a recurrence after finding elevated SCC-levels. Both patients presented a personal history of psoriasis. Results: Thanks to PET-scan, a recurrence could be ruled out. Several skin disorders have been described to induce an elevation of SCC levels, particularly those affecting the skin-barrier, for example psoriasis. A common criterion is a marked erythema, which may allow an increased penetration of SCC into the blood. Conclusion: In case of SCC-elevation in patients followed for a cervical cancer, dermatological disorders such as psoriasis should be excluded.

Cervical cancer; Parakeratosis; Psoriasis; SCC; Tumor marker.

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