As children, we dreaded report cards, and as adults, we fear medical check-up reports
No middle-aged person can look at a medical check-up report without anxiety
So, when the medical check-up report arrives,
Which result makes you most nervous?
Uric acid? Cholesterol?
Or an abnormal ECG or ultrasound?
…
None of these!
The most worrying is when
Tumor marker tests show positive results!
So, does a rise in tumor markers always mean cancer?
Of course not!
Xinping Chen, director of the Medical Laboratory Department at Hainan Cancer Hospital, emphasizes that abnormal tumor markers do not necessarily indicate cancer; they serve as a warning signal!
It reminds you
To pay attention to your health!
What are tumor markers?
Tumor markers are substances synthesized and released by tumor cells or produced by the body in response to tumor cells during the occurrence and proliferation of tumors.
When tumors occur and develop, these substances become significantly abnormal and can be measured using biochemical, immunological, and molecular biological methods. They are valuable for auxiliary diagnosis, differential diagnosis, monitoring treatment effects, recurrence surveillance, and prognosis evaluation.
Distribution of Tumor Markers in the Body
Although tumor markers are related to tumors, they are not secreted exclusively by tumors.
Xinping Chen explains that generally, tumor markers are significantly higher in tumor patients compared to normal individuals. However, most tumor markers are present not only in malignant tumors but also in benign tumors, embryonic tissues, and even normal tissues.
In simple terms, even a normal, healthy condition can yield positive tumor marker results.
So next time,
When you see a "↑" next to a tumor marker on your medical report,
Don’t panic; it might just be inflammation!
For instance, patients with non-cancerous conditions like pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and bile duct stones can have elevated CA19-9; menstruation, pelvic inflammation, and pregnancy can elevate CA125; biliary obstruction, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and smoking can elevate CEA, while some liver cancer patients might not show elevated AFP.
Therefore, diagnosing cancer based solely on elevated tumor markers is challenging. A comprehensive evaluation combining medical history and other related examination results is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Who should get tested for tumor markers?
Xinping Chen recommends that adults over 45 with any of the three major carcinogenic factors should have annual cancer screenings.
Three Major Carcinogenic Factors
Ⅰ.Family history of cancer
Women with a family history of breast cancer are at a much higher risk of developing breast cancer than those without such a history.
Ⅱ.Medical history
Some liver cancer patients have a history of hepatitis B, and people with long-term stomach problems are at high risk for stomach cancer.
Ⅲ. Occupational factors
Frequent exposure to radioactive substances, toxic substances, or heavily polluted environments increases cancer risk. Additionally, long-term unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, also increase cancer risk.
Which tumor markers can "warn" of cancer?
Which tumor markers are prone to "false alarms"?
Ⅰ.Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
Highly specific. Elevated levels are seen in liver cancer or bile duct cancer, and also in teratoma, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. Note: In rare cases, pregnancy and hepatitis can also cause elevated AFP.
Body Abnormalities: Long-term monitoring is needed for carriers of hepatitis B and C viruses. If AFP is elevated and accompanied by jaundice, abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, and nausea, liver cancer should be suspected.
Recommended Tests: Liver ultrasound contrast, or liver tumor-specific MRI, or enhanced abdominal CT, biopsy if necessary.
Ⅱ. Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Elevated levels are seen in colon cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, urinary system tumors, etc. Note: This marker is very specific; even slight elevations should be followed up with further screening.
Body Abnormalities: Middle-aged and elderly smokers; those with a persistent cough and blood in sputum; those with long-term loss of appetite and weight loss; those with bloody or pus-filled stools.
Recommended Tests: Gastrointestinal endoscopy, chest CT, abdominal CT.
Ⅲ.Carbohydrate Antigen 125 (CA125)
Highly specific. Elevated levels are seen in gynecological tumors (ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer), and also in bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, etc. Note: Pregnancy, menstruation, pelvic infection, and tuberculosis infection can also cause elevated CA125.
Body Abnormalities: Lower abdominal bloating and pain; abdominal distension. If elevated due to tuberculosis infection, symptoms may include low-grade fever in the afternoon, night sweats, and cough.
Recommended Tests: Pelvic ultrasound, enhanced abdominal CT, tuberculin skin test (PPD).
Ⅳ. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
Highly specific. Elevated levels are seen in prostate cancer, and also in other urinary system tumors. Note: In rare cases, benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis can also cause elevated PSA.
Body Abnormalities: Difficulty urinating, lower abdominal pain. If prostate cancer has metastasized to the bones, bone pain may occur.
Recommended Tests: Transrectal prostate ultrasound, or prostate MRI, biopsy if necessary.
Ⅴ.Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9)
Elevated levels are seen in pancreatic cancer, and also in bile duct cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, etc. Note: Chronic inflammation of the liver, bile, and pancreas can cause mild elevation in rare cases.
Body Abnormalities: Upper abdominal dull pain, loss of appetite, weight loss.
Recommended Tests: Enhanced abdominal CT or ultrasound. Note: Abdominal ultrasound can miss small tumors.
Ⅵ. Carbohydrate Antigen 15-3 (CA15-3)
Relatively specific. Elevated levels are seen in advanced breast cancer. Note: If only this marker is mildly elevated, theres no need to worry, but regular rechecks are necessary.
Recommended Tests: Breast ultrasound. If there is a history of breast cancer, a full-body CT is recommended to assess for metastasis.
Ⅶ. Carbohydrate Antigen 72-4 (CA72-4)
Relatively specific. Elevated levels are seen in gastrointestinal tumors. Note: Mild elevation alone usually does not indicate a tumor.
Recommended Tests: Abdominal ultrasound or enhanced abdominal CT.
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Editor | Huang Fei