*4.1.14 Tumour markers*

The use of tumour markers such as alpha - feto protein, des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin, cancer antigen 125, etc. in the diagnosis of cancer in ascetic fluid is presently a subject of controversy among several researchers. Although the increased level of these markers is associated with underlying malignancies, elevated levels are also observed in other conditions such as pancreatitis, gastritis, etc. [48].
