Serum IgA in the Diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal and Paranasal Sinus Carcinoma

The serum immunoglobulin-A level was elevated in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mean 526 plus or minus 188 mg/100 ml) and paranasal sinus carcinoma (mean 451 plus or minus 124 mg/100 ml) prior to radiation therapy. After treatment, the IgA levels were lower in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Elevated serum IgA values were also noted in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Serum IgA determinations may be useful as an additional diagnostic test for squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal and oropharynx.