| Abstrakt: |
Background: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), shows increased expression breast cancer (BC), wherein its level declines after surgery, suggesting that PSA is produced by the tumor itself, making it suitable for evaluation as a BC marker. However, there is paucity of evidence establishing sufficient sensitivity and specificity of PSA in BC detection. Objective: To compare and correlate total PSA levels in women with and without breast cancer. Material and Methods: The study enrolled 60 female patients aged 30-85 years, histopathologically diagnosed with breast malignancy in Group A (cases) and 60 healthy, age-matched women, free of breast malignancy or lumps in Group B (controls). Blood investigation for serum levels of total PSA was done for all participants. Detailed tumor examination was performed for Group A. Diagnostic accuracy of serum PSA was measured by comparing with histopathological diagnosis. The results were compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Results: The mean serum total PSA level in Group A (0.0105 ± 0.007 ng/mL) was found to be significantly greater than in Group B (0.0048 ± 0.0036 ng/mL) (P<0.00001). The proportion of females positive for PSA marker in Group A (61.66%) was also significantly greater than in Group B (16.66%) (P<0.0001). With a sensitivity of 61.66%, specificity of 83.33%, the total diagnostic accuracy of serum levels of total PSA was found to be 72.5%. Conclusion: As the sensitivity of PSA marker was found to be mediocre in this study, it seems unsuitable as a screening tool for BC diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
