Diagnostic value of tumor markers Cyfra 21-1 and neuron-specific enolase in analysis of pleural fluid.

The diagnostic value of tumor markers Cyfra 21-1 and neuron-specific enolase in blood serum and pleural fluid in differential diagnosis of pleural exudation in cancer patients and patients with nontumor pleurisy was evaluated. The most pronounced changes were characteristic of Cyfra 21-1. In patients with pleurisy caused by malignant tumors the degree and incidence of increased Cyfra 21-1 concentrations in the serum and pleural fluid were higher than in patients with pleural exudation of nontumor origin. These data attest to high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of Cyfra 21-1. Complex measurements of the marker in the serum and pleural fluid will improve diagnosis of pleural exudation of tumorous etiology.