Many people feel anxious and uneasy when they see high tumor marker levels during physical examinations;
For cancer patients who are undergoing follow-up, a rise in tumor marker levels during a review often leads to concerns about whether there has been disease progression
Professor Yang Nong, a specially-appointed expert at Hainan Cancer Hospital/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University, stated that an increase in tumor marker levels does not necessarily equate to the development of malignant tumors, nor does it directly indicate disease progression. It is not advisable to make judgments or become overly anxious based solely on this laboratory indicator.
Q1: How to prevent diseases? What are the reasons for elevated tumor marker levels?
A: Professor Yang Nong
There are many factors that can cause elevated indicators. In the general population, inflammatory conditions such as lung infections, urinary system infections, and periodontal inflammation may all lead to fluctuations in indicators; there is also reasonable variability in test results themselves.
For individuals undergoing anti-tumor treatment, there is another scenario: the therapeutic effect may cause damage to tumor cells, leading to the release of intracellular substances into the bloodstream, which may result in a short-term increase in certain indicators. This phenomenon can serve as a clinical reference signal in some cases, but specific assessment needs to be individualized.
Q1: How to determine which tumor marker indicators require special attention when they are elevated?
A: Professor Yang Nong
If the evaluation metrics are abnormal, two dimensions can be primarily referred to:
✅ Immediate increase in amplitude
If the value is only slightly above the reference range, there is no need to be overly anxious. However, if the value is doubled or even increased by several dozen times compared to the reference value, it is recommended to take it seriously and conduct a more comprehensive evaluation.
✅ Second, observe the trend of change
The reference value of a single elevated indicator is limited; when multiple follow-up examinations show a continuous increase, and new abnormal lesions are found in imaging examinations, further clinical evaluation is needed.
To obtain an abnormal test report, the safest approach is to gather all previous examination data, visit a reputable medical institution, and have a comprehensive assessment by a clinician based on personal medical history, imaging results, and physical condition. It is not recommended to speculate based on a single value. During the disease follow-up process, psychological state is very important, and there is no need to be overly influenced by a single test indicator.
[A little science popularization] What is a tumor marker?
Tumor markers are substances produced and released during the proliferation of tumor cells or generated after the body is stimulated by relevant factors. They can generally be detected through blood sampling.
It is primarily used to assist in risk warning, evaluate treatment response, and monitor follow-up. It cannot be used alone as a basis for confirming or excluding malignancy. Various conditions such as benign lesions, inflammation, and physiological fluctuations may cause abnormalities in the indicators.
Therefore, when abnormal tumor marker results are found, they should be referred to clinicians for comprehensive judgment in conjunction with imaging, medical history, and other information, to avoid unnecessary psychological burden.
Expert Introduction
Yang Nong
Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Hainan Cancer Hospital/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University
Long-term employed expert of Hainan Chengmei Hospital
He currently serves as Vice President of the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, leader of the oncology department, head of the "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Clinic" / "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Expert Team Clinic", chief expert of the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project, member of the Lung Cancer Special Committee of the National Tumor Quality Control Center, director of the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer, and director of the Hunan Provincial Respiratory Tumor Clinical Medicine Research Center.
He has dedicated nearly 30 years to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, as well as clinical practice, research, and teaching in the management of complex recurrent and drug-resistant cases.
He has been honored with titles such as "Outstanding Paragon of National Famous Doctors" at the 6th session, "Annual Excellent Doctor" for eight consecutive years, and "First Brain Doctor·Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines and has long been engaged in the popularization of tumor health knowledge.
Specialization
Precision treatment for lung cancer, diagnosis and treatment of difficult-to-treat, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases, as well as brain metastases; individualized precision treatment for brain metastases of lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for pan-solid tumors; clinical trials of the latest immunotherapy/targeted therapy drugs.
With nearly 30 years of experience in precision immunotherapy for lung cancer, he has led nearly 400 phase I-III clinical trials of new anticancer drugs (including national Class 1 new drugs).
Long-term implementation of multi-cancer, individualized, and interdisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
Visit information
Clinic Hours
On the morning of October 24th
Outpatient visit location
The Sixth Consultation Area of Hainan Cancer Hospital
appointment registration
Follow the official account of Hainan Cancer Hospital for "appointment registration"
Friendly Reminder
To facilitate the expert in understanding your condition as soon as possible, please bring along:
●ID card, medical insurance card, mobile phone
●Accompany immediate family members (with decision-making authority)
● Arrange the relevant examinations you have ever done in chronological order
● Paper medical records of previous visits
●Surgical case biopsy: wax block or 20-30 white slides
● Pathological diagnosis report
● Inpatient medical records and notes
● Recent relevant examinations
● The patient's current treatment plan
●The most urgent questions to consult
[Friendly reminder: This article is for health education purposes and cannot replace professional medical advice. Specific decisions regarding whether to undergo genetic testing and subsequent treatment plans should be made based on the patient's pathological results, physical condition, and doctor's recommendations.]